 under center against the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sam-Darnold.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=614,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sam-Darnold.jpg”><figcaption> Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure>
<p>Sam Darnold is the hottest free-agent quarterback commodity set to hit the open market. </p>
<h4>Our Sam Darnold Predictions — Where Will He Go?</h4>
<p>No one knows where he will land or if he’ll for sure depart the Vikings. But we asked <em>VikingsTerritory </em>writers to weigh in and predict Darnold’s 2025 team and how he gets there (trade or franchise tag-and-trade).</p>
<p>These are their answers. </p>
<h2>1. Seattle Seahawks<br />via Free Agency</h2>
<div>
<figure><img loading=)
Klint Kubiak now runs the show on offense for the Seahawks, and he offensively coordinated the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 when Darnold made a pit stop,
Seattle’s cap situation is grim, but it can save about $30 million by releasing Geno Smith. After a few more cap-clearing maneuvers, the Seahawks will end the Geno Smith era and onboard Darnold for two years and $70 million, pairing him with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, D.K. Metcalf, Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet, and Noah Fant.
This can work.
t2. Pittsburgh Steelers
via Free Agency
Henrique Gucciardi
Sam Darnold to the Pittsburgh Steelers is a done deal. The Vikings let Darnold walk in free agency, and the Steelers pair the quarterback with a good offensive line and defense to try and fight for the AFC North.
t2. Pittsburgh Steelers
via Free Agency
 and free safety Xavier Woods (23) and outside linebacker Anthony Barr (55) breakup the final pass of the game intended for Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) in the endzone during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=750,height=422,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/USATSI_17329362.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1024,height=683,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/USATSI_17329362.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/USATSI_17329362-750×422.jpg” alt=”Snap Reactions from Week 14 in the NFL”><figcaption> Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Prediction Maker</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong>:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong> <a href=)
Josh Frey
The Steelers don’t have QB under contract in 2025, and while they could go the veteran bridge route again with Kirk Cousins, it’s probably time to look for a longer-term solution. The Steelers can then focus more of their draft attention on bringing in quality weapons to put around Darnold.
t3. Las Vegas Raiders
via Franchise Tag-and-Trade
 throws a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/darnoldpred.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=627,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/darnoldpred.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/darnoldpred-788×444.jpg” alt><figcaption> Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Prediction Maker</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong>:</strong> <strong><a href=)
Ted Schwerzler
Sam Darnold becomes Pete Carroll’s answer with the Raiders. They have the draft capital to facilitate the tag-and-trade that Minnesota should be looking for.
t3. Las Vegas Raiders
via Franchise Tag-and-Trade
 walks off the field after the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/samdmon.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=674,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/samdmon.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/samdmon-788×444.jpg” alt=”sam darnold”><figcaption> Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Prediction Maker</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong>:</strong> <strong><a href=)
Kyle Joudry
Minnesota snags a 3rd and a late-round selection via trade with Las Vegas.
t4. Las Vegas Raiders
via Free Agency
Janik Eckardt
The Raiders just hired former Vikings assistant coach Pete Carroll. He brings much-needed stability to the Las Vegas franchise, and there will be even more once he unites with Darnold, the best option in this year’s free agency market.
t4. Las Vegas Raiders
via Free Agency
Cole Smith
Although the Vikings will want to tag-and-trade him, I think the most likely outcome is that the Vikings let him walk, and he signs with Vegas. Pete Carroll brings stability to the team and can potentially give Darnold a chance to continue his career resurgence.
t4. Las Vegas Raiders
via Free Agency
 looks on before the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/darnoldit.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=662,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/darnoldit.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/darnoldit-788×444.jpg” alt ><figcaption> Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Prediction Maker</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong>:</strong> <strong><a href=)
Ali Siddiqui
The Raiders have $92 million to spend via OvertheCap.com and need QB play badly. Their QBs combined to throw 19 TDs and 16 INTs in 2024. Darnold almost doubled the touchdown mark himself.
t4. Las Vegas Raiders
via Free Agency
 and Marilyn Acasio watch in the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/raiderfan.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=641,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/raiderfan.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/raiderfan-788×444.jpg” alt><figcaption> Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Prediction Maker</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong>:</strong></strong></strong></strong> <strong><a href=)
Adam New
Sam Darnold lands in Las Vegas on a multi-year deal to be the Raiders starting QB.
t4. Las Vegas Raiders
via Free Agency
Wes Johnson
Pete Carroll uses the USC connective tissue to recruit Darnold to the silver and black as the perfect bridge quarterback. Vegas signs him as a free agent, kicking off their offseason and allowing them to focus on the line in the draft.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
