Sam Darnold is on pace to throw for more than 4,100 yards this season in what’s been a historic breakout campaign for the former top-five draft pick. The one-time pick, who was labeled as a bust, has led Minnesota to a 12-2 record after beating the Bears on Monday night. After Monday’s outing, Darnold has thrown for 3,530 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
But what does the future hold for the Vikings and Darnold? That’s the potential $40-million question. Minnesota signed Darnold to a one-year deal in hopes of rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy taking the reins in 2025. But McCarthy had to miss the entire 2024 season due to a knee injury.
According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, the Vikings haven’t ruled out signing Darnold to a long-term deal.
“Darnold has played well enough to leave the Vikings more open-minded about their 2025 plans than many realize, according to sources familiar with the Vikings’ thinking. They have not ruled out offering him a contract for next season, despite widespread assumptions they will let him sign elsewhere in free agency and hand the job to McCarthy, who has spent his rookie season recovering from a torn meniscus in his right knee.”
It would appear Darnold holds his fate in his own hands. He’s going to get a lucrative contract from someone, whether that’s Minnesota or another team in need of a signal caller.