Minnesota Vikings Face Quarterback Turmoil as Sam Darnold Heads to Seattle After Geno Smith Trade Shakes Up Landscape

The Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a precarious quarterback situation following a series of unexpected moves that have reshaped the NFL landscape. With veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins already out the door, the Vikings were banking on newly signed Sam Darnold to bridge the gap at the position. However, those plans have been upended with Darnold now heading to Seattle after the Seahawks’ blockbuster trade of Geno Smith.

How We Got Here

The Vikings entered the offseason with a pressing need at quarterback after Kirk Cousins signed a lucrative deal with the Atlanta Falcons. In response, Minnesota brought in Sam Darnold on a short-term deal, hoping his experience and untapped potential would stabilize the position while they explored long-term solutions in the draft or via trade.

However, the NFL offseason is unpredictable, and chaos erupted when the Seahawks struck a surprise deal to send Geno Smith to an undisclosed AFC team. Seattle, in need of a veteran replacement, turned their attention to Darnold, orchestrating a swift trade that now leaves Minnesota scrambling.

Vikings’ Dilemma at Quarterback

With Darnold gone, the Vikings have a significant hole under center. Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall remain on the roster, but neither is seen as a viable long-term starter. Mullens has proven to be a solid backup but lacks the upside to be a full-time solution. Hall, a fifth-round pick in 2023, has shown flashes of promise but is still considered a developmental prospect.

Now, the Vikings must reevaluate their strategy. Do they turn to free agency for a veteran option like Ryan Tannehill or Carson Wentz? Do they explore another trade, possibly targeting a quarterback such as Justin Fields or Trey Lance? Or do they go all-in on the NFL Draft and attempt to move up for a top-tier prospect like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels?

Potential Paths Forward

Minnesota’s front office, led by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, must act swiftly to avoid a lost season. The team holds the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which may not be high enough to land an elite quarterback prospect without a trade-up. If they miss out on their preferred rookie, they could explore a bridge quarterback option until a better long-term solution emerges.

Additionally, the Vikings’ roster remains competitive, especially with weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson on offense. Head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system thrives on quarterback stability, making this an urgent issue that needs resolving sooner rather than later.

Final Thoughts

The Vikings’ quarterback carousel has taken another unexpected spin, and the urgency to solidify the position has never been greater. With the draft approaching and limited free-agent options available, Minnesota must move decisively to avoid uncertainty heading into the 2025 season. Whether through a draft-day splash or a strategic trade, one thing is clear: the Vikings cannot afford to stand still in this rapidly changing quarterback market.