Sam Darnold’s tenure with the Minnesota Vikings has become a hot topic, with former NFL MVP Cam Newton sharing his unfiltered take on the situation. On his podcast, “4th & 1 with Cam Newton,” the quarterback-turned-analyst argued that the Vikings should retain Darnold.
Cam Newton Beckons Sam Darnold To Come Back and Fight for QB1 Spot With Vikings
Newton wants the Vikings to continue backing Darnold next season. However, he cautioned against handing him the starting job without a fight. “I think they should keep him for sure. He proved he can win, and he’s capable of playing football at a high level.”
Darnold’s 2024 campaign was a tale of two halves. The 27-year-old set career highs in passing yards (4,319) and touchdowns (35), leading the Vikings to their second-most regular-season wins in franchise history.
Yet, his last two outings — a 31-9 loss to the Lions in Week 18 and a 27-9 Wild Card blowout against the Rams — were disastrous. Against the Rams, Darnold was sacked nine times and posted his third-worst performance of the season, with a dismal 65.3 PFN QB+ score.
“To Darnold’s defense, there were some plays where nobody was f***ing open. They were trapping and chasing Justin Jefferson as expected. Guys weren’t open. He was holding the ball a lot but them motherf****rs were coming back there fast,” Newton stated.
.@CameronNewton says QB competition should be the standard—bring Darnold back, but let him fight for the starting job! pic.twitter.com/bhHIQ1TP9o
— 4th&1 with Cam Newton (@4thand1show) January 17, 2025
Newton also callied out Minnesota’s broader struggles, saying, “Their playoff experience was put on full display, and they didn’t know how to win — not just from Sam Darnold. Defensive blunders, special-teams blunders, just all three phases.”
Despite these shortcomings, Darnold’s regular-season performance ranked him 12th in PFN’s QB+ metric, proving his ability to produce when the stakes are less daunting. Darnold’s contract situation, however, complicates matters. With $10 million on the line, the Vikings must decide whether to give J.J. McCarthy, their young quarterback, a chance to lead the team.
While Darnold could serve as a seasoned backup, his aspirations likely extend beyond roster presence. Newton believes Darnold’s skills could still earn him a starting role elsewhere, potentially with QB-needy teams like the Titans and Raiders, or even a reunion with the Jets.
For the Vikings, the clock is ticking. Darnold’s highs suggest he can deliver, but his inability to step up under playoff pressure leaves Minnesota in a vulnerable position. Finding a suitor willing to take on his contract may be easier said than done if they opt to move on.
As the offseason unfolds for Darnold, his future as a starter, backup, or bridge quarterback for the Vikings or whichever franchise places its trust will remain one of the league’s most intriguing storylines of the 2025 NFL offseason.