Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Drew Lock

Tuesday, February 18, 4:25 PM

ESPN's Kevin Seifert reports that the Minnesota Vikings are in no rush to place the franchise tag on impending free-agent quarterback Sam Darnold despite his career year in 2024. It doesn't mean they won't eventually use it on the 27-year-old signal-caller, and it doesn't rule out the team giving him a multi-year extension. Another option is that the Vikings tag Darnold and then trade him for draft-pick compensation. Keeping Darnold on the tag in 2025 would cost Minnesota around $40 million, which would be a questionable decision with former first-rounder J.J. McCarthy (knee) waiting in the wings as the franchise QB. Seifert believes the most likely scenario is that the team lets Darnold sign elsewhere while saving the tag for a player like cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., who had a career-high six interceptions in 2024. Darnold set career-highs last year across the board but also had just one TD and a 53% completion percentage in the last two games.

Sunday, January 5, 5:17 PM

New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock threw for 138 yards, one touchdown, and one interception off 22-for-29 passing in Sunday's loss to the Eagles. The signal-caller tossed four touchdowns in the Week 17 win over the Indianapolis Colts. However, he cooled off significantly in this one. With the Giants done until September, Lock will finish the 2024-25 campaign by totaling 1,071 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions through the air and adding two scores on the ground. The G-Men will presumably be on the hunt for their quarterback of the future this offseason. While there is a chance New York brings Lock back in free agency, he likely won't find himself starting next season, regardless of what team he is on. But even if he does start somewhere, he'll need to prove he's worthy of a spot on fantasy rosters.