Free agency is here, which means it’s that time of year when teams throw around cash like it’s a Black Friday sale—some get the perfect deal, while others overpay and pray. The Vikings? Well, they were supposed to offer a lucrative deal to Sam Darnold right before the free agency kicked off. But nope, that seems like a long-lost deal. But wait, after moving on from Darnold, Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings didn’t hit the brakes—they floored it.
First, they locked in Byron Murphy Jr on a three-year $66M deal. Then they secured Aaron Jones for two more years, and let’s just say—they’re far from done. Now that free agency is here, the Minnesota team has an option to explore the market and bolster their roster, especially their defensive line. And looks like they just landed a blockbuster signing for their defensive linemen corp.
On Tuesday, O’Connell and Co. signed the former Commanders Pro Bowl defensive tackle, Jonathan Allen. Ari Meirov, the host of the NFL Spotlight, reported the latest Vikings roster move on his official ‘X’ handle. Allen’s contract terms? Well, after spending eight seasons in Washington, Allen is all set to don purple and gold through 2027.
Oh yeah, his contract terms include a 3-year, $60M deal. Initially, the Commanders drafted him 17th overall in the 2017 NFL draft. Across his eight seasons in Washington, Allen earned Pro Bowl honors in 2021 and 2022. Well, no need for the eye test—his stats do all the talking. In his eight-year-long career, the 30-year-old DT has amassed 401 tackles (241 solo), 118 quarterback hits, and 42.0 sacks.
As for his consistency, the guy’s been a starting DT for the Commanders ever since his sophomore year. However, his 2024 season was cut short to just 8 games in the regular season following a torn left pectoral muscle. Allen managed to return to the field in week 17 game and finished his 2024 season with 19 tackles, seven quarterback hits and three sacks.
Following their playoff loss, the Commanders permitted Allen to seek for a trade. A few days ago, the Washington team released him before the Vikings agreed for a 3-year $66M deal.
Alright, the Vikings have been working to bolster their defense since the last free agency. In 2024, they signed defensive lineman Jonathan Greenard and linebackers Andrew Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman. And let’s be real—when it comes to points allowed, Minnesota had one of the best D-lines in the last season, allowing fifth fewest points per game (except for the last two games).
Now that the team is bringing the veteran Allen, Kevin O’Connell must be hoping to start the 2025 campaign with a strong D-line. After all, he’s still looking for his first playoff win under his helm. Besides, there’ll be no Sam Darnold to lead their O-line in 2025 as well.
One-year stint is over for Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold’s 2024 season started like a box-office hit but crashed in the final act. The guy led the team to the postseason with a 14-3 run, had the fans dreaming big, and then—boom—everything unraveled faster than a bad plot twist. The last two games? Brutal. One regular-season meltdown, followed by the wildcard disaster. And now? He’s no more a Viking.
However, one big question’s still looming over the NFL fans’ heads. Where will Sam Darnold land in 2025? Well, the odds are favoring a trip to Seattle. The Seahawks shipped Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders and now there’s a vacant QB1 spot on their roster. Now, if we believe the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport’s reports, the Seahawks have shifted their attention to 27-year-old Darnold.
NFL, American Football Herren, USA NFC Wild Card Round-Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams Jan 13, 2025 Glendale, AZ, USA Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold 14 reacts against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Glendale State Farm Stadium AZ USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMarkxJ.xRebilasx 20250113_mjr_su5_002
Darnold’s just had the breakout season with the Vikings and no doubt the QB needy teams must be looking for a guy of his caliber. The QB amassed 4,319 yards and threw 35 TD and rushed for one TD. So yeah, don’t be surprised if Darnold donned the Hawks blue in the 2025 season. But what about the Vikings?
Well, that’s not that tricky. JJ McCarthy is entering his second season without even making his pro football debut. That said, the guy’s waiting for an opportunity to start his career. Besides, with Sam Darnold isn’t expected to return to Minnesota, it’s certain that McCarthy will be the QB1. As for their backup QB, Daniel Jones could be a potential option for the team, considering the guy was QB1 for the Giants.
The post After Ditching Sam Darnold, Kevin O’Connell’s Vikings Make Major $60M Splash on Roster Move appeared first on EssentiallySports.
