Sam Darnold looks on (left). J.J. McCarthy about to throw (right).Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy (Photos by Getty Images)
Sam Darnold’s career year in 2024 will leave the Minnesota Vikings with a tough decision once the offseason begins.

The 27-year-old Sam Darnold is enjoying a career year with a 68.1 completion percentage for 4,153 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Vikings (14-2) would clinch the NFC North and the conference’s top seed with a victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

But re-signing Darnold is not a slam-dunk case. This team used the No. 10 pick of 2024 on Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, so it’s not like head coach Kevin O’Connell will want to quickly give up on the young QB.

Plus, Darnold’s asking price will have to be reasonable for the Vikings.

Speaking to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, one AFC executive offered their interesting prediction on what the Vikings will do at quarterback this offseason. The executive believes Minnesota will let Sam Darnold walk, keep McCarthy and retain Daniel Jones as a potential reclamation project:

“A separate AFC executive believes Minnesota lets him walk because “they have McCarthy but they also have Daniel Jones, who can be the next resurrection project for them — and both would be much cheaper.” (Jones is on the practice squad.) Deepening the intrigue: At least five teams picking in the top 10 of the draft need a QB, and the supply doesn’t meet the demand. That increases the chances of a team making Darnold an attractive offer.”

 

That said, Fowler said the “slight majority” of league executives he spoke to think the Vikings will retain Darnold. Regarding his price tag, Fowler added he hasn’t “talked to one team that thinks Darnold gets top-10 quarterback money.”

Sam Darnold’s Best Bet Is To Stay In Minnesota

Only time will tell what the Vikings do with the No. 3 pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, but one thing is certain: He would greatly boost his chances of staying in Minnesota with a strong showing in the postseason.

Darnold could chase more money elsewhere, but former QBS like Neil O’Donnell, Jeff Garcia and Brock Osweiler are cautionary tales about what can happen when you chase your money instead of staying put with the right team.