Is a Sam Darnold Jets Reunion in the Cards for 2025?

New York, NY – As the NFL offseason approaches, speculation mounts that Sam Darnold could be returning to the New York Jets as they search for a new quarterback. Following the announcement that Aaron Rodgers will not return to the Jets in 2025, analysts are linking Darnold, the former third overall draft pick, back to his original team.

According to a report from Bleacher Report, the 27-year-old Darnold, currently with the Minnesota Vikings, might come full circle by rejoining the Jets. The team is entering a new era under general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn, and Darnold may fit the rebuilding plan as they look for a fresh start at quarterback.

“My February prediction? The Vikes let Darnold get away in favor of McCarthy. The Steelers stick with Wilson. Cousins goes to the Raiders, Darnold goes back to the Jets in place of Aaron Rodgers,” wrote Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report. Gagnon’s analysis included a host of offseason quarterback predictions, hinting at a major reshuffling in the league.

Last season, Darnold had a standout performance, recording 36 total touchdowns and 4,319 passing yards. His efforts propelled the Vikings to a strong 14-3 record. However, his performance in crucial late-season games left questions about his future in Minnesota.

“Darnold, the league’s sixth-highest-rated passer from this past season, is slated to hit free agency,” Gagnon added, mentioning that future Hall of Famer Russell Wilson is also in a similar situation. Both quarterbacks might be looking for new teams due to the emergence of younger quarterbacks in their respective franchises.

The Jets hold the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which may not be favorable for acquiring a top quarterback. It is anticipated that quarterbacks like Cam Ward from Miami and Shedeur Sanders from Colorado will be selected in the top five. This scenario could prompt the Jets to pursue a free agent such as Darnold or Wilson while potentially drafting Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart as a later option.

Darnold’s previous stint in New York was rocky. Drafted by the Jets in 2018, he faced challenges typical for young signal-callers in a struggling franchise. After three seasons, he transitioned to the Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, and finally, the Vikings.

If Bleacher Report’s predictions prove correct, a Darnold return to the Jets could be one of the offseason’s most surprising developments.