Following a solid 14-3 season in 2025, many were taken aback when the Vikings decided to part ways with quarterback Sam Darnold.
Things got even more confusing when Darnold went on to lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory the next season.
Despite this, Darnold has no resentment toward the Minnesota team that gave him another opportunity at starting.
“I get why they wanted to bring in young quarterbacks on rookie contracts and sign experienced players, especially if you believe in them and are willing to invest a bit more during their rookie years,” Darnold shared on the “San Clemente Podcast.”
“I understand the business side. And I think JJ [McCarthy] does too. He’s a solid player, and I believe he’s going to shine in this league. I genuinely believe that,” he added.
While Darnold accepts the decision, many are still scratching their heads, considering how well the team performed in 2025.
The Vikings actually missed the playoffs with McCarthy at the helm instead of Darnold.
Even though Darnold is hopeful that the young quarterback will bounce back next season, his performance last year raises some concerns.
He only threw for 1,632 yards, ended up with a poor touchdown-to-interception ratio, and had a quarterback rating of just 35.6.
Given the struggles, the Vikings opted to secure another starter, bringing in former Cardinals QB Kyler Murray for added competition.
Darnold recognized that opting for a rookie might be more economical than keeping him, though he believes the funds to retain him weren’t unmanageable.
The Seahawks locked Darnold into a three-year, $100 million deal, but he’ll only see $27.5 million in 2026.
On top of that, the Vikings are also in a position where they offered better compensation to Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, who saw success with a 7-1 record before his unfortunate Achilles injury.
For the Vikings, there are significant uncertainties at the quarterback spot, which could severely impact their playoff aspirations in the upcoming season.
