The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly in the market for a quarterback this offseason, and one intriguing name being floated as a potential target is Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. After a career-reviving season in 2024, Darnold is set to hit free agency, making him a high-profile option for teams seeking a proven passer.
Darnold, who was drafted third overall in 2018, delivered an impressive season with the Vikings. He completed 66.2% of his passes for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, earning him his first Pro Bowl selection. His regular-season performance showcased his growth, but questions linger about his consistency in critical moments.
Despite his strong regular season, Darnold faltered when it mattered most. In a pivotal Week 18 matchup against the Detroit Lions, with the NFC North title on the line, Darnold struggled. The disappointing performance carried over into the playoffs, where he fell short in the Vikings’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Still, Darnold’s 2024 resurgence has positioned him as a valuable asset. Pro Football Focus (PFF) projects Darnold to land a lucrative three-year contract worth $123.75 million, with $70 million guaranteed. That deal would give him an average annual value (AAV) of $41.25 million, reflecting the high demand for starting-caliber quarterbacks in today’s NFL.
PFF noted that the debate around Darnold this offseason will likely center on whether he can be more than a “bridge quarterback.” While his raw statistics—such as 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions—are impressive, his film tells a more complex story. Darnold recorded 33 “big-time throws” but also had 24 “turnover-worthy plays,” highlighting potential risk factors for teams considering him.
Although Darnold’s contract is expiring, it’s unclear whether he will actually hit the open market. The Vikings have several options to retain him, including offering him a new deal or using the franchise tag. They could also consider a “tag and trade” scenario to extract value from teams desperate for quarterback help.
As for the Steelers, it remains uncertain if they would seriously pursue Darnold in free agency. However, his name could come up in discussions given Pittsburgh’s apparent desire for an upgrade at quarterback. The Steelers’ 2024 season featured underwhelming play from Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, leaving the team searching for stability at the position.
Darnold represents a chance to secure a proven passer, but there are important factors Pittsburgh would need to weigh. For one, Darnold benefited from an excellent supporting cast in Minnesota, something the Steelers may not be able to replicate. Additionally, his body of work includes just one strong season, raising questions about his ability to sustain success.
One major consideration for the Steelers would be Darnold’s price tag. If he commands the projected $123.75 million contract, he would be significantly more expensive than Wilson or Fields, potentially impacting the team’s ability to address other roster needs.
While Darnold’s availability and price make him an intriguing option, the Steelers would need to evaluate whether he represents a substantial upgrade and whether his success in Minnesota could translate to Pittsburgh. At this point, it remains unlikely that Darnold will be wearing black and gold next season, but his name is one to watch as the offseason unfolds.
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