The Minnesota Vikings entered the wild card round of the playoffs riding high after a strong regular season. However, a pathetic 27-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams left fans questioning the team’s future. Whether it was poor preparation or the Rams playing with extra fire, the Vikings couldn’t handle the playoff pressure.
With their season over, the Minnesota Vikings face critical decisions, particularly regarding free agents. Here are three players fans shouldn’t expect to see in purple next season.
3. Aaron Jones
Aaron Jones had a standout season in Minnesota, rushing for 1,138 yards and five touchdowns while adding 408 receiving yards and two more scores. But his playoff performance—just 49 yards on 13 carries against the Rams- highlighted the risk of investing in a 30-year-old running back.
The Minnesota Vikings must prioritize re-signing key players like Byron Murphy and Cam Bynum, which means tightening their budget elsewhere. Running back is a position where they can afford to make cuts, especially with the upcoming NFL Draft brimming with affordable, young talent.
Jones proved his worth in 2024, but he’s likely to seek a lucrative deal, and the Vikings can’t afford to pay top dollar for a player nearing the twilight of his career. Unless Jones agrees to a team-friendly contract, Minnesota will likely move on and seek younger, cheaper options.
2. Harrison Smith
Harrison Smith gave the Minnesota Vikings another solid season, recording 87 tackles, three interceptions, and 10 pass defenses at age 35. His decision to return in 2024 was largely influenced by his admiration for defensive coordinator Brian Flores, and for much of the year, it paid off.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
However, the team’s wild-card exit might end Smith’s time in Minnesota. Retirement looms as a real possibility after he took a significant pay cut to stay last year. Given Smith’s age and salary implications, the Vikings may also decide to part ways financially.
The emergence of Joshua Metellus makes this decision even more likely. Metellus, who racked up 103 tackles in a hybrid role, appears ready to fill Smith’s role in the secondary. Whether through retirement or release, Smith’s time with the Vikings seems over.
Also Read: Why Do Minnesota Vikings Fans Use The ‘Skol’ Chant At Home Games?
1. Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold’s future in Minnesota was questionable even before his poor performances in the final two games of the season. The Vikings already signaled a shift by drafting J.J. McCarthy in the first round, making it clear Darnold wasn’t in their long-term plans.
Darnold struggled to deliver when it mattered most, and his wild card showing against the Rams solidified doubts about his ability to lead the team. His contract demands also make it difficult for Minnesota to justify keeping him. While his disappointing performance might lower his market value, it’s unlikely the Vikings will retain him, even at a discount.
Kevin o connell at 1 and sam darnold is definitely top 3 reasons why they lost https://t.co/wOIJHh626K
— 🐜 (@RidinThruHell) January 14, 2025
The team’s focus is firmly on McCarthy as their quarterback of the future. If concerns arise about McCarthy’s health or readiness following his injury, the Minnesota Vikings will likely explore other, more affordable stop-gap options, such as Daniel Jones. Darnold doesn’t fit into Minnesota’s plans moving forward.
The Minnesota Vikings have tough decisions as they prepare for the 2025 season. Aaron Jones, Harrison Smith, and Sam Darnold all contributed to varying degrees in 2024, but financial realities, age, and performance make their departures likely. Change is coming to Minnesota, and fans should brace for a new-look team next season.
Also Read: What Is The Minnesota Vikings Boat Party Scandal?
