Vikings QB Sam Darnold Replaced 10-Time Pro Bowler

The Minnesota Vikings are positioned to withstand losing Sam Darnold in free agency, and a new prediction calls for them to do just that.

Darnold, 27, signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Vikings in free agency in 2024. He made the Pro Bowl in 2024, winning the most games (14) of any QB in their first year with a new team in NFL history.

Pro Football Network’s Ben Rolfe predicts Darnold will take his talent to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a tricky spot entering 2025. They did just well enough in 2024 to suggest that they should not tear it all down but were far enough away that they need to add in multiple spots if they are to challenge for a Super Bowl. They need to figure out a quarterback but also have to improve at wide receiver while filling holes at running back, left tackle, and cornerback,” Rolfe wrote on February 19.

“Based on last year, it is fairly obvious that Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are not taking this team over the hump

Wilson, who made his 10th Pro Bowl in 2024, was 6-5 as the Steelers QB1, while Fields went 4-2.

Darnold completed 66.2% of his passes for 4,319 yards and 32 touchdowns – both career-high marks – with 12 interceptions.

“If Wilson and Fields are not coming back, then the best free agent quarterback is Sam Darnold,” Rolfe wrote. “Playing for the Vikings last year, Darnold produced his best season, finishing as the QB12 in our QB+ metric — above both Wilson and Fields. He still needs help to elevate this team to a deep playoff run, but Darnold would allow the Steelers to remain competitive in 2025.”