Sam Darnold Reflects on Vikings' Decision to Move On After Super Bowl Win
Sam Darnold gets why Vikings moved on from him: ‘The business side of it’

Image: New York Post
After leading the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory, quarterback Sam Darnold reflects on the Minnesota Vikings' decision to release him following a successful 2025 season. Darnold understands the business rationale behind the move, which involved opting for a younger quarterback on a rookie deal, despite the Vikings' struggles in the following season.
- 01Darnold led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory after being released by the Vikings.
- 02The Vikings opted for rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who struggled with a 35.6 quarterback rating.
- 03Darnold signed a lucrative three-year, $100 million deal with the Seahawks.
- 04The Vikings missed the playoffs in 2026, raising questions about their quarterback situation.
- 05Darnold expressed confidence in McCarthy's potential despite his poor performance.
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Sam Darnold, after a successful season with the Seattle Seahawks that culminated in a Super Bowl victory, expressed understanding regarding the Minnesota Vikings' decision to part ways with him following their impressive 14-3 record in 2025. Darnold acknowledged the business aspect of the NFL, particularly the Vikings' choice to invest in a younger quarterback on a rookie contract, J.J. McCarthy, who has shown promise but struggled during the 2026 season with a disappointing 35.6 quarterback rating. Despite Darnold's success, the Vikings faced challenges, missing the playoffs and opting to sign veteran quarterback Kyler Murray to compete with McCarthy. Darnold's contract with the Seahawks, worth $100 million over three years, highlights the financial implications of the Vikings' decision, especially as they also pursued other quarterbacks like Daniel Jones. As the Vikings navigate their uncertain quarterback situation, Darnold remains optimistic about McCarthy's future in the league.
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The Vikings' decision to move on from Darnold has significant implications for their quarterback strategy and playoff aspirations.
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