Rumors are roaring at the NFL Scouting Combine, and Sam Darnold seems to be at the center of it all. While the Vikings say all options are on the table, most of the buzz in Indianapolis swirls around Minnesota franchise-tagging Darnold and trading him.

INDIANAPOLIS — As he talked with reporters on Tuesday afternoon at the 2025 NFL Combine, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell beamed with pride when reflecting on everything veteran quarterback Sam Darnold had accomplished in Minnesota. A heavy emphasis on accomplished.

The Minnesota Vikings are moving forward with J.J. McCarthy as the franchise QB, which likely means the end of Sam Darnold's tenure.

The Minnesota Vikings have a high opinion of Sam Darnold after he led them to 14 wins and a playoff berth last season, but the team won't commit to him being the quarterback of the future -- or even the starter just in 2025.

While evaluating the top talents at the 2025 NFL Combine, Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah gave his honest take on JJ McCarthy's current status.

The Vikings have several options at quarterback, but keeping Darnold around feels less and less likely as free agency approaches.

The average annual value that is projected for Sam Darnold's next NFL contract is precisely why the Minnesota Vikings are left with no choice. They have to let him walk, simply because he is about to be earning well above his pay grade.