Justin Jefferson Responds When His Vikings No. 18 Jersey Is Given to Children as a Christmas Present
It may be said that the Minnesota Vikings were fortunate to sign Sam Darnold to a one-year contract worth a total of $10 million, which elevated the franchise to the top of the NFL. But what if, in the long run, Darnold—who was viewed as a flop by the majority of the league for six years after being drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018—can maintain this level of performance under head coach Kevin O’Connell’s amiable offensive scheme? That leap of confidence will alter the organization’s trajectory if the Vikings think he can. In his show on Thursday, December 26, Bleacher Report’s James Palmer made the prediction that Minnesota will do just that by giving Darnold a multiyear contract extension.
Palmer remarked, “I see Sam Darnold staying,” “That is an option right now … [though] the conversations have not happened yet.” Given that Darnold has guided the club to a 13-2 record with 3,776 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions this season, that choice appears to be the safest one Minnesota can make. But there are significant dangers associated with Darnold remaining on the roster in 2025 and beyond. First, quarterback J.J. McCarthy will be out for at least another season due to injury. Due to a knee injury sustained during the summer, he has missed the whole campaign. However, the Vikings selected him with the No. 10 selection in April, and if he is excellent, he will be more affordable than Darnold since McCarthy is six years younger and will cost much less.
“McCarthy is 21 years old,” Palmer stated. “If you delay [his ascendance] to some extent in keeping Sam Darnold, I wouldn’t think that’s the worst thing in the world.” The second concern is the amount Minnesota must pay Darnold in order to retain him. Palmer pointed out that given the relative inferiority of this year’s draft class and the quarterback free-agent pool, up to six clubs may be interested in Darnold. “Sam Darnold’s situation is going really well,” Palmer continued. “He is the one who’s going to be at the top of this class.” According to Spotrac, Darnold will sign a four-year, $142 million contract. Additionally, the Vikings will spend an additional $35.5 million a year on Darnold instead of utilizing that money to develop the rest of the squad around a far less costly first-round choice, sacrificing the potential value of McCarthy on a rookie contract.
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