Sam Darnold’s Future with the Vikings
Sam Darnold is not expected to re-sign with the Minnesota Vikings. The team is exploring other quarterback options, including the possibility of adding a veteran quarterback. Daniel Jones is a potential option for the Vikings, but he is considering multiple opportunities, including with the Indianapolis Colts. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers, currently under contract with the New York Jets, is considered a dark-horse candidate for Minnesota. The Vikings are also looking forward to the return of J.J. McCarthy, a first-round pick who missed his rookie season due to a knee injury.
Geno Smith’s Trade to the Raiders
Geno Smith has been traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Las Vegas Raiders. The trade involves a 2025 third-round pick going to Seattle. Smith is expected to receive a new contract with the Raiders and has expressed excitement about joining the team. The Seahawks faced a tough decision as Smith was in the final year of his contract, with a $16 million roster bonus due soon. Failed contract negotiations led to Smith’s trade request and subsequent move. The Seahawks may pursue Sam Darnold as he becomes a free agent on March 12.
Sam Darnold’s Performance and Free Agency
Sam Darnold signed a one-year deal with the Vikings and had an impressive comeback in 2024. He achieved career highs in passing yards (4,319), touchdowns (39), and completion percentage (66.2%). Despite leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record, they lost in the playoffs’ Wild Card Round against the Los Angeles Rams. As Darnold enters free agency, several teams are looking for starting quarterbacks. He ranks No. 4 on Gregg Rosenthal’s Top 101 NFL Free Agents of 2025 list.
Other NFL Transactions
The Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed linebacker Nick Bolton to a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. The Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson expressed contentment staying in Cincinnati amid trade requests. The Arizona Cardinals agreed on a two-year, $15 million deal with linebacker Baron Browning, while the Detroit Lions released defensive end Za’Darius Smith. The Cleveland Browns agreed on terms with defensive end Myles Garrett for a four-year extension worth $40 million per year, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback by average yearly salary.
Buffalo Bills and New Orleans Saints Updates
The Buffalo Bills released Von Miller to save $8.3 million in salary cap space, but both sides are open to his return. The New Orleans Saints converted most of Derek Carr’s salary into a signing bonus after discussions about his compensation for this year.
Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs
The Baltimore Ravens agreed on terms with left tackle Ronnie Stanley on a three-year, $60 million contract. The Kansas City Chiefs re-signed wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown to a one-year deal worth up to $11 million.
Atlanta Falcons and Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins met with Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, but the Falcons do not intend to release him. The team is considering its options as they look to strengthen their roster.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Lavonte David
Linebacker Lavonte David returns to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year, $10 million contract with $9 million guaranteed. His return is expected to bolster the team’s defense.
2025 NFL Mock Draft Insights
The 2025 NFL mock draft highlights trades by the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys to move into the top 10 picks. There is a focus on Ashton Jeanty, considered the consensus top running back in the 2025 NFL Draft class. Despite concerns about his size, Jeanty is compared to successful short NFL running backs like Barry Sanders and Maurice Jones-Drew. The draft also emphasizes the value of dynamic running backs due to recent successes in similar roles within other teams.
Underrated NFL Free Agents
Bucky Brooks, a former NFL player and scout, provides insights into underrated NFL free agents who could excel in 2025. The 2025 NFL league year begins on March 12, marking the start of the scramble for free-agent talent. Teams are looking for veteran players who can make an immediate impact at bargain rates. Brooks identifies one underrated player to watch at ten key positions based on their potential to excel in the right environment.
Conclusion
The NFL landscape is rapidly changing as teams make strategic moves to strengthen their rosters. With key player trades, contract extensions, and the upcoming draft, the league is set for an exciting season. Fans can look forward to seeing how these changes impact team dynamics and performance on the field.