The Pittsburgh Steelers are still weighing their options under center for 2025. After a season of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, general manager Omar Khan was not impressed with either one, and it's unlikely that either one will return.
With veteran options expected to be available in free agency, the Steelers will undoubtedly wait to see what those options are.
One name that has been linked to the team is Sam Darnold, who played well for the Minnesota Vikings last season while rookie J.J. McCarthy was recovering from a torn ACL suffered in camp.
With McCarthy potentially ready to debut next season, the Vikings and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah are trying to decide if they want Darnold back.
“Every option is afforded to us,” Adofo-Mensah said. “When we did the move originally, we wanted to create optionality. And part of the optionality was believing and betting on a guy who was young, talented — believing in our infrastructure to be able to do the things we can do with the quarterbacks. So, we’re now in a position where we have options. And we’ll continue to work those options, figure out the best way for the Vikings to move forward.”
Darnold is just 27 and had his best year as a pro under coach Kevin O'Connell, completing 66.2 percent of his passes for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions as the Vikings went 14-3.
O'Connell enjoyed being a part of Darnold's season, and knows he can be just as successful elsewhere.
“I’ve had great dialogue with Sam from the time the season ended up until very, very recently,” O’Connell said. “I think my relationship with Sam has grown to a point where the respect level is sky high. This process is going to play out both short-term and long-term for the Minnesota Vikings. And Sam is in a position where the NFL thinks he can play quarterback at a high level.
“So, that’s a really good thing and I feel very proud to be a part of helping him get to this point. We’ll see where it goes from here.”
