The Vikings should soon have one of their top linebackers back in the lineup. The team announced today that Ivan Pace has been designated for return from IR and has returned from practice. The team will now have 21 days to activate the linebacker to the active roster, although ESPN’s Kevin Seifert hints that Pace could be back for Sunday’s game against the Packers.
Pace suffered a hamstring injury last month that ultimately required a stint on injured reserve. His return to practice indicates that he may only need a minimum stay on IR, a positive development as the Vikings prepare for the postseason.
A 2023 UDFA, Pace quickly established himself in Minnesota as a rookie, finishing with 102 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He continued that production into 2024. The sophomore started all nine of his appearances while collecting 59 tackles, three sacks, and six tackles for loss. Pace was also sidelined for Week 3 and Week 4 while he nursed a quadriceps/ankle issue.
The Vikings have barely had both Pace and Blake Cashman healthy as the same time in 2024, forcing the team to lean on their depth. Most recently, the team has mixed and matched different linebackers to play alongside or in relief of Cashman. Kamu Grugier-Hill (11 snaps), Bo Richter (10 snaps), Brian Asamoah (nine snaps), and Jamin Davis (eight snaps) all got looks in Week 15, although that grouping was shutout in Week 16 as Cashman appeared in 100 percent of the team’s defensive snaps.
Recent reporting on Sam Darnold’s future with the Vikings suggested that the team has resigned itself to the fact that Darnold’s play in 2024 has priced him out of Minnesota, and that the club has not engaged in extension talks with the resurgent quarterback. However, the Vikes may not be willing to give up on a Darnold return just yet.
Per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, Minnesota indeed hopes that it will be able to retain Darnold, who has piloted the Vikings to a 12-2 record and a shot at the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Jones’ sources confirm prior reports that the 27-year-old passer has set himself up for a contract that would pay him at least $25MM per season, which is of course a considerable raise on the one-year, $10MM deal he signed with the Vikings this year.
That said, Minnesota is projected to have upwards of $70MM in cap space in 2025, so a “middle-class” QB deal would be feasible. It may even be a bargain if Darnold, under the tutelage of head coach Kevin O’Connell, has truly blossomed into the player the Jets believed he would be when they made him the No. 3 overall pick of the 2018 draft.
Darnold’s 104.9 QB rating is the fourth-highest mark in the league, he has led four game-winning drives, and the Vikings are eighth in the league in scoring as of the time of this writing. That performance, combined with Minnesota’s win-loss record, make it no surprise that the team wants him back.
Of course, the Vikes signed Darnold this offseason with the intention of making him a bridge passer, not a long-term fixture under center. As such, the team selected J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 overall pick of this year’s draft, and McCarthy was the player deemed to be the quarterback of the future.
According to Jones, that has not changed. The Vikings’ level of faith in McCarthy is as high as it was when he was drafted, and the season-ending knee injury he suffered in August has not altered the club’s view of his career trajectory. However, Darnold’s efforts this season cannot be ignored, and one AFC executive told Jones that McCarthy could become Minnesota’s version of Green Bay’s Jordan Love (a first-round pick who sat behind Aaron Rodgers for several seasons before finally getting a chance to run the show).
Since Darnold’s combination of youth and ability could make him the most desirable QB in this year’s free agent class, it is still possible that his asking price goes beyond the Vikings’ comfort level. But his 2024 showing has afforded him the ability to be selective about his future home, and Jones says the USC product will naturally exercise caution to avoid undesirable situations, like those he found himself in as a member of the Jets and Panthers. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com says the Browns would have interest if Darnold hits the open market, though it is unclear whether Cleveland — despite the presumptive presence of a well-respected offensive mind in HC Kevin Stefanski — would qualify as a desirable situation.
Obviously, Minnesota has proven to be a perfect fit, and if the Vikings are willing to spend, it appears that the door to a multiyear pact between Darnold and the club remains open.
After being activated from injured reserve in early November, Bates only played two games before suffering a concussion. The 27-year-old has not played since Week 11 and will now miss the remainder of the season on IR. Bates is under contract through 2025.
The Raiders opened up two roster spots today after placing defensive end Maxx Crosby and running back Sincere McCormickon injured reserve, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. They filled one 53-man roster spot by signing defensive end Andre Carter II off of the Vikings’ practice squad. The other was filled with the promotion of practice squad running back Chris Collier to the active roster.
The Crosby move is no surprise after reports that he would undergo season-ending surgery on his ankle. Carter won’t likely add much on defense for the Raiders, but his addition adds much-needed depth along a beleaguered defensive line.
The loss of McCormick hurts a team that has struggled mightily in the run game this year. The Raiders currently rank dead last in the NFL in rushing offense.
After going undrafted out of UTSA in 2022, McCormick finally made his NFL debut this season and earned two starts in place of an injured Alexander Mattison, even remaining the starter last week when Mattison returned. He earned his first start after rushing for 64 yards on 12 carries in Week 12, a total Mattison had only reached once all season and that Zamir White failed to reach in any of his starts. McCormick followed that up with a 78-yard rushing performance in his first NFL start the next week.
With McCormick out, Mattison should retake starting duties with Ameer Abdullah continuing in his backup role. Collier will add depth behind those two and sixth-round New Hampshire rookie Dylan Laube.
In addition to all the active roster updates, Las Vegas signed defensive end Ovie Oghoufo and running back Isaiah Spiller to the practice squad.
December 17th, 2024 at 12:48pm CST by Sam Robinson
This NFL season saw several teams slip out of contention quicker than usual, slimming wild-card races and expanding the pursuit for the No. 1 overall pick. Two teams now lead that race.
While no prospect on the Caleb Williams level is dangling for the Raiders and Giants, an interesting showdown has formed. With three weeks to go, the Giants would currently hold the top 2025 draft choice. But based on projected strength of schedule, the Raiders would win the tiebreaker if the results held. The team with the weaker overall strength of schedule would win that. The Giants still have a game against the 12-2 Eagles, while the Raiders’ upcoming matchup with the 3-11 Jaguars works in their favor.
The Giants have not held the No. 1 pick in the common draft era (1967-present), last making a choice atop a draft in 1965 (running back Tucker Frederickson). Their Eli Manning trade occurred after the Chargers had chosen the quarterback to start the 2004 draft. The Raiders have held the top pick once in the common draft era, famously choosing JaMarcus Russell to start the ’07 draft. Both teams have coaches fighting for their jobs, but each also has seen All-Pros (Dexter Lawrence, Maxx Crosby) removed from equations. Losers of 10 straight, the Raiders follow their Jaguars matchup with games against the Saints and Chargers. The Giants, who have dropped nine consecutive games, go Falcons-Colts-Eagles to close the season.
Five 3-11 teams sit behind the Raiders and Giants presently, with the NFL having nine teams who have already lost double-digit contests. If a Giants or Raiders win occurs, there are candidates to move toward pole position in what could be races for Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward. Though, a non-Giants or Raiders team finishing in the top two creates a bit more intrigue, as both those clubs are in dire need of QB help.
With an eye on teams’ projected strength of schedule based on current records, here is how the draft order looks with three games to go:
December 15th, 2024 at 10:09pm CST by Adam La Rose
The final four weeks of the season will see a number of playoff spots decided, along with the top seed in each conference. While the Chiefs have a degree of breathing space for the No. 1 slot in the AFC, the lone first-round bye in the NFC could come down to the last slate of regular season contests.
The Lions have stood atop the conference for much of the season, something which comes as no surprise give the expectations the team faced entering the campaign. Given the strength of the NFC North, however, Detroit has not been able to generate a cushion in the standings. An 11-game winning streak placed the team at 12-1 on the year — prior to a Week 15 loss to the Bills — but plenty of work remains to secure the top seed.
The final stretch of the campaign will see the Lions host the Bills in a clash of the league’s two highest-scoring offenses. Detroit then has road contests against the Bears and 49ers, teams which are on track to fall short of the postseason. The regular season will conclude with the Lions and Vikings playing what could be a critical head-to-head matchup, although other results may have decided the No. 1 seed by that point.
Injuries on defense have led many to wonder if the Lions will be able to remain atop the conference but to date they have done so. Aidan Hutchinson will not be available down the stretch, but a return by the Super Bowl continues to be mentioned as a possibility. Before that hypothetical point, maintaining their run of success (which could include welcoming back other injured players) will be crucial in the Lions’ bid for the top seed.
The Eagles sat at 2-2 entering their bye week, leading to questions about their status as genuine Super Bowl contenders. The team has not lost since returning to action in Week 6, thanks in no small part to the performance of Saquon Barkleyduring his debut Philadelphia season. The former Giants Pro Bowler already holds the single-season franchise rushing record, and his 1,623 yards represent a career high while also leading the league. Remaining his production will be key for an offense which has not been consistent or efficient through the air for much of the campaign.
Of course, the Eagles’ strong play on the other side of the ball has played a central role in their 10-game winning streak and 12-2 record. Philadelphia leads the league in total defense and has allowed the second-fewest points per game (18), making Vic Fangio’s first season a stark contrast to where the unit sat late in the campaign in 2023. While the loss of Brandon Grahamfor the season represents a blow to the Eagles’ edge rush, the team could remain strong in that respect en route to (at least) the No. 1 spot in the NFC East standings.
Philadelphia’s remaining schedule includes a cross-state matchup with Pittsburgh, followed by a road matchup with the Commanders. While both of those teams figure to represent challenging opponents, the same cannot be said of the Cowboys and Giants. The Eagles will close out the season with home games against those divisional rivals, both of which are out of contention and missing several key players. A path exists for Philadelphia to make a late run past Detroit to secure the first-round bye.
If the Lions are to be unseated over the final month of the season, the Vikings could very well play a large role. The aforementioned Week 18 matchup represents Minnesota’s best opportunity to make up ground and in doing so claim the No. 1 seed or at least the top spot in the division (ensuring home-field advantage during the first two rounds of the playoffs). Over the next three weeks, the Vikings will host the Bears and Packers with a road game against the Seahawks in between.
That schedule certainly represents a challenge with respect to maintaining Minnesota’s current six-game winning streak, something which will likely be necessary if overtaking Detroit is to remain possible on the final day of the season. In any event, the 2024 campaign has exceeded expectation in the Vikings’ case, with the play of Sam Darnoldbeing one of the league’s top storylines. The former No. 3 pick is on track to be the top quarterback in this offseason’s free agent class, and a lucrative deal from an outside suitor would come as no surprise.
Of course, Darnold’s strong performance is a testament to head coach Kevin O’Connell’s work. The latter has not discussed an extension to date, but a new deal could be coming his way in the near future, ensuring stability on the sidelines. The more immediate attention of O’Connell and his team, though, will be aimed at the pursuit of the No. 1 seed.
Of the three contenders for the NFC’s top spot, which will ultimately secure it? Vote in PFR’s latest poll and have your say in the comments section.
Kevin O’Connell‘s third season at the helm of the Vikings has gone well to date, in no small part due to his work guiding Sam Darnoldto a productive showing so far. A new commitment from the front office could soon be coming as a result.
The matter of extensions for O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah (also in place since 2022) came up this offseason. Owner and president Mark Wilf noted no thought had been given at that point to new deals, but strong start to 2024 has no doubt boosted O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah’s stock. The Coach of the Year candidate is expected to receive an extension offer, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports (subscription required).
O’Connell – like Adofo-Mensah – is under contract through 2025. As a result, the Vikings do not need to act with much urgency especially in the immediate aftermath of the current season. Still, it would come as no surprise if that tandem were to remain in place on new accords given the track record currently in place. Minnesota went 13-4 in 2022 before injuries to Kirk Cousinsand Justin Jeffersoncontributed to a 7-10 campaign which left the team out of the playoffs. Moving on from Cousins opened to door to Darnold’s one-year free agent pact, which put the latter in position to rebuild his value this year.
With J.J. McCarthyout for the year, Darnold has not faced competition for the QB1 spot and has generally thrived atop the depth chart in 2024. The former No. 3 pick is in position to land a lucrative free agent deal this spring, one which will will likely send him out of Minnesota. Regardless of how the Vikings proceed in that event, O’Connell’s success in leading Darnold to a strong outing this year has boosted his stock in terms of being considered one of the league’s top offensive minds. As Russini notes, though, no extension talks are ongoing at this time.
O’Connell, 39, helped lead the Vikings to a 42-21 win over Cousins and the Falcons on Sunday; as a result, Minnesota sits at 11-2 on the year and remains in contention for the top seed in the NFC. O’Connell could boost his stock even further by landing the No. 1 spot, but in any case the regular season can be considered a success. The team’s defense entered Week 14 at No. 5 in scoring, a testament to the job done by Brian Flores (hired as defensive coordinator by O’Connell in 2023).
Of course, success in the playoffs could be a key factor in determining how Minnesota operates on the O’Connell front. The Vikings were upset at home in the wild-card round in his only postseason contest to date, but 2024 is on track to provide him with the opportunity to go on a run. O’Connell’s standing in the organization will be an interesting storyline to follow over the coming weeks.
DEC 8: In keeping with the reports that Darnold is unlikely to return to Minnesota in 2025, ESPN’s Adam Schefter observes that the Vikings have not had any extension discussions with the resurgent passer.
DEC 1: Sam Darnold signed a one-year, $10MM contract with the Vikings this offseason with the understanding that he would operate as a bridge to a rookie quarterback should Minnesota select one early in the draft. After the Vikes drafted J.J. McCarthywith the No. 10 overall pick, it was believed that Darnold’s time atop the depth chart would be limited. However, the season-ending knee injury that McCarthy suffered in August, coupled with Darnold’s strong performance, have the veteran passer positioned to be one of the hottest commodities on the 2025 free agent market.
Thanks to Darnold’s surprisingly hot start to the current season, our Adam La Rose examined his rising free agent stock in detail on October 5. Not unlike the infamous Madden curse, the Pro Football Rumors curse bit Darnold just one day later, as the USC alum produced a poor 50.3 quarterback rating in a Week 5 victory over the Jets. Luckily for the Vikings, Darnold bounced back in a big way, posting QB ratings of at least 107.0 in five of the club’s next six contests.
Minnesota sits at 9-2 on the season and is only in second place in its division because of the Lions’ stunning 11-1 record. Although Darnold’s 21:10 touchdown-to-interception ratio is not ideal, three of those picks came in one game, and his 101.7 quarterback rating is the eighth-best mark in the league. As of the time of this writing, his 21 passing TDs are the fifth-highest total, and he is 10th in passing yards (2,717). In general, it looks as if he is finally living up to his billing at the No. 3 overall pick of the 2018 draft.
Now 27, Darnold’s resurgent effort and the Vikings’ success with him at the controls have made him perhaps the most desirable quarterback slated for free agency in March. ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler believe that Darnold is pricing himself out of Minnesota, and the team is comfortable with that reality (subscription required). Although a scenario in which McCarthy’s recovery takes longer than expected could tempt the Vikes to bring Darnold back, McCarthy is obviously expected to take the reins at some point, and Darnold’s price tag is likely to far exceed what the club is willing to pay given its investment and belief in McCarthy.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic also hears that Darnold’s market is going to be a competitive one (subscription required), and the relative weakness of the 2025 draft class of QBs will presumably boost his earning power even more. Of course, all of this presupposes that Darnold does not regress and that he finishes the year healthy, but Fowler anticipates the former Jet, Panther, and 49er will be in line for a middle class contract like those authorized for Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith in recent history.
In other words, a multiyear pact worth between $25MM – $35MM per year featuring $40MM – $50MM in guarantees could be a starting point in negotiations between Darnold’s camp and QB-needy clubs. Assuming that the Vikings don’t want to play in those waters, the team could look to re-sign the newly-acquiredDaniel Jones to accompany McCarthy on the depth chart (though Russini is clear that the Jones addition does not impact Darnold’s future in Minnesota).
Placed on practice squad injured list: OL Jason Peters
Peters has not seen any game action this season, keeping him from an official 21st NFL slate. Peters, 42, would make NFL history by becoming the first O-lineman to be on an active roster in a 21st season. After seeing action in eight games last season in Seattle, making two starts, Peters has not climbed to the team’s 53-man roster yet this year. Despite Abraham Lucas coming back, George Fant is back on IR. And Peters remains on the team’s practice squad. Though, he is running out of time to turn his insurance role into in-game duties.
McGill is not quite on the Josh Johnson journeyman tier, but the 10th-year defensive lineman has been with 10 teams. The Browns are not a new one, as he previously stopped through Cleveland during the 2017 season. McGill, 32, played in one game for the 49ers this season. He had spent three years in San Francisco but is now roster depth back in Cleveland, where he played three games in 2017.