Heading into Week 18, it seemed all but certain that quarterback Sam Darnold would be in line for a massive payday.
Initially, Darnold had been signed by the Minnesota Vikings to serve as a “bridge” quarterback while rookie J.J. McCarthy, drafted out of Michigan, developed.
However, a season-ending injury to McCarthy during training camp unexpectedly thrust Darnold into the starting role. And what followed was the best season of his career.
Darnold played like a seasoned veteran, completing 361 of his 545 passes for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns.
He performed under pressure, effectively managing games and leading Minnesota to a 14-3 record – their best performance since 1998.
But things took a sharp turn in the final two games of the season. Over that stretch, Darnold struggled mightily, completing just 43 of 81 attempts for 411 yards, a touchdown, an interception, and taking a brutal 11 sacks.
In both games, the Vikings could only muster nine points.
This dramatic late-season collapse has left many wondering how it will impact Darnold’s contract negotiations.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reached out to his sources to get their take, and the responses were varied.
“The Vikings have not yet made a firm determination on Sam Darnold’s future with the team. His strong play this season has caused them to pause and take a hard look at their options. Bringing him back feels like a stronger possibility than it was five or six months ago. But the Vikings will have a cap on spending here,” Fowler wrote.
“Some agents have argued that Darnold shouldn’t take a penny less than Daniel Jones’ four-year, $160 million deal with the Giants from two years ago. Teams have suggested Darnold getting something more in line with Baker Mayfield’s contract (three years, $100 million). In the end, perhaps the transition tag ($35.3 million) makes the most sense.”
Fowler speculated that the transition tag, worth $35.3 million, might ultimately be the best route for both Darnold and the Vikings.
The gap between the most optimistic and the more reserved projections is wide. Some foresee Darnold landing a deal worth $30-40 million per season, while others believe he’ll have to settle for a more modest contract.
While the comparison to Daniel Jones might not be in Darnold’s best interest – considering Jones’ contract has been seen as one of the most questionable in recent NFL history – the comparison to Mayfield’s deal is similarly perplexing.
Mayfield’s contract was negotiated with his current team, unlike Darnold’s free-agent status, which could complicate things further.
As the market for quarterbacks remains dynamic, the real question is whether any team will view Darnold’s 2024 performance as a sign he could be a top-15 paid player in the NFL.
Alternatively, will Darnold be forced to sign another one-year contract, either with the Vikings or another team, to prove his worth on a bigger stage?
Despite not being the highest-profile name on the free-agent market, Darnold’s contract negotiations will be a captivating story to watch as the NFL heads into a crucial offseason.
What do you think the future holds for Darnold???
