Could Sam Darnold find himself wearing an Indianapolis Colts uniform next season? As one of the top quarterback free agents of the offseason, the former USC star is likely to generate significant interest across the league.
Currently with the Minnesota Vikings, Darnold could re-sign with the team. However, with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy expected to be healthy after missing the 2024 season due to a torn meniscus, the Vikings may decide to move forward with McCarthy as their starter, leaving Darnold to explore free agency.
If Darnold becomes available, several teams are expected to pursue him, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and Las Vegas Raiders. But could the Colts, who face uncertainty at the quarterback position, also enter the conversation?
Should the Colts Target Sam Darnold?
The Colts’ quarterback situation is far from stable. Anthony Richardson, selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, has struggled to find his footing. The rookie completed just 47.7% of his passes during the 2024 season, raising questions about whether Indianapolis should stick with him or explore other options, like signing a proven veteran such as Darnold.
Darnold’s Career So Far
Darnold entered the league with high expectations after a stellar college career at USC, where he threw for 4,143 yards and 26 touchdowns in his final season. Drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, he endured a challenging three-year stint before being traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021. After two seasons in Carolina and a brief stop with the San Francisco 49ers, Darnold joined the Vikings in 2024, initially as a stopgap option while McCarthy developed.
However, McCarthy’s injury forced Darnold into the starting role, and he delivered his best season yet, throwing for a career-high 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection and helped the Vikings achieve a 14-3 record, though they fell to the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs.
Why the Colts Should Pass on Darnold
While Darnold’s 2024 season was impressive, there’s a risk that it could be an outlier. The Colts would likely need to offer a substantial contract to secure him, and there’s no guarantee he would be a long-term solution capable of leading the team to a Super Bowl. Additionally, signing Darnold would essentially end any competition at the quarterback position, as he would undoubtedly become the starter over Richardson.
Instead, the Colts might benefit more from signing a quarterback like Justin Fields or Daniel Jones. These players could genuinely compete with Richardson and provide the push he needs to reach his potential. As general manager Chris Ballard has stated, adding competition to the quarterback room should be a priority—but Darnold may not be the right fit.
Richardson’s career may not have started as the Colts had hoped, but patience could pay off. If he fails to show significant progress by the end of next season, the team can consider other options. For now, Colts fans should temper their expectations about landing Darnold and focus on Richardson’s development.
