Yahoo Sports What's next for Vikings? Key free agents, draft needs, moves to make after playoff loss
GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Minnesota Vikings’ season ended in Arizona on Monday night.
The Vikings were defeated 27-9 by the Los Angeles Rams in what was a disappointing playoff performance. Minnesota was dominated in all three phases and Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was sacked nine times, tying an NFL playoff record.
The Vikings went from a 14-win team to one-and-done in the playoffs. Now the team has questions at quarterback, particularly Darnold’s future.
“I just want to say I think it's very important we all think about Sam's body of work. What he was able to do this year when not very many people thought he would even be able to lead a team to 14 wins. Very rare for a quarterback in the first year. In fact, it is rare,” Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said. “Most wins by a first year quarterback with a team. Just the way he came in and committed himself to just a daily process to be the best version of himself. It did not work out in the end, and I think Sam would be the first one to tell you, could he have played better tonight? I'm sure he would tell you that he could have.”
What’s next for the Vikings as they prepare for the 2025 season? USA TODAY Sports explores.
Vikings key 2025 free agents
Sam Darnold
Darnold set career-highs in most major quarterback statistical categories, including completions (361), passing yards (4,319), touchdowns (35) and passer rating (102.5). Despite Darnold’s performance in the regular season, the Vikings could be ready to hand the keys over to 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. Darnold’s last two performances were his two worst in a Vikings uniform.
Left tackle Cam Robinson filled in nicely after the Vikings tackle Christian Darrisaw suffered a season-ending knee injury. Darrisaw will presumably get his starting left tackle job back when he returns next year. Robinson will likely be one of the top tackles in free agency.
The veteran running back compiled 1,138 yards from scrimmage and seven total touchdowns in his first season in Minnesota. The Vikings don’t have an adequate insurance policy behind Jones.
Vikings offseason preview: 3 moves to make
Fill cornerback room
Minnesota’s top cornerbacks Byron Murphy Jr., Shaquill Griffin and Stephon Gilmore, are on expiring deals. The team could opt to bring one or two back. The Vikings cornerback room was hit with both tragedy and injuries in 2024.
Safety depth
Harrison Smith is 36 years old and at the end of his contract. The 13-year veteran has only worn a Vikings uniform. At some point, the Vikings will have to consider other options. Smith is still productive, although he’s beginning to decline.
Figure out quarterback
The expectation is that McCarthy will take over as the starting quarterback. However, are the Vikings really ready to move on from Darnold after a career year and a 14-win season? Darnold didn’t leave a good last impression to end the season.
Vikings draft needs
Cornerback
Offensive line
Safety
The Vikings have three picks in the 2025 draft:
Round 1
Round 5
Round 5 (from Browns via Za'Darius Smith trade)
Minnesota traded its second, third and fourth-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft in exchange for the club to draft Dallas Turner in the 2024 draft.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Vikings offseason preview: Key free agents, draft needs, moves to make
