The Minnesota Vikings aren’t in panic mode after a narrow 2-point loss in their season opener to the Detroit Lions, arguably the top team in the NFC. However, they should already be considering their future at quarterback. Sam Darnold had an MVP-caliber start to the season’s first four weeks, but a rough game against the New York Jets in London, followed by a bye week and a mediocre outing against Detroit, has dulled some of the shine from his performance. Even so, Darnold has proven to be a valuable addition on a one-year, $10 million deal, and with one-third of the season completed, the Vikings remain strong contenders in the NFC. Still, some analysts around the league suggest that Minnesota should look into upgrading at quarterback now to capitalize on this unexpected Super Bowl opportunity in 2024.
“Timo Riske from Pro Football Focus suggested on X (formerly Twitter) on October 20, ‘With the Rams currently trailing to the Raiders, let me say it out loud: The Minnesota Vikings should trade for Matthew Stafford.'”
With the Rams currently trailing to the Raiders, let me say it out loud: The Minnesota Vikings should trade for Matthew Stafford.
— Timo Riske (@PFF_Moo) October 20, 2024
The Los Angeles Rams went on to defeat the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7, improving to 2-4, with star receiver Cooper Kupp likely returning for their Thursday Night Football matchup against the Vikings. With a short turnaround and a renewed sense of optimism in L.A., the Rams may be less willing to trade Stafford before the November 5 deadline, especially if they manage to close in on the NFC West leaders, the 4-3 Seattle Seahawks. A Rams victory would keep Stafford in Los Angeles.
If the Vikings win and move to 6-1, Darnold would have outperformed Stafford, which wouldn’t necessarily rule out a trade. Minnesota also has No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy returning from injury in 2025, which could deter them from making any quarterback moves this season. Nonetheless, the team must decide whether to offer Darnold a substantial long-term deal next offseason, potentially worth $35-$40 million annually, or risk starting McCarthy, a second-year player with no NFL regular-season experience.
Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk recently speculated on the possibility of a Stafford trade, noting the existing connection between Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and Stafford from their time together in L.A., where they won a Super Bowl. With Stafford under a four-year, $160 million contract through 2026, he could actually be a more economical option long-term if Darnold’s market value surges. As the trade deadline approaches in two weeks, the Vikings have some important decisions to make.
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