There’s a Surprising Sam Darnold Theory for Vikings

Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images. The Minnesota Vikings possess a 7-2 record through 10 weeks and an 88.6% chance of reaching the postseason, according to DVOA. There’s a Surprising Sam Darnold Theory for Vikings Despite a two-game losing skid against the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams in Weeks 7 and 8, the Vikings are cruising and have already surpassed the 6.5-win total assigned by oddsmakers during the spring and summer. Brad Rempel-Imagn Images. The team is led by quarterback Sam Darnold, who earned the QB1 title without a shadow of a doubt after rookie passer J.J. McCarthy tore his meniscus in the preseason. And because Darnold has performed wonderfully at times in 2024, some have wondered if the veteran will be back in 2025, as his contract expires in a few months. Per the “Voice of the Vikings,” KFAN’s Paul Allen, Minnesota won’t hand Darnold a ginormous contract, even if it wins the Super Bowl season. Allen delivered the bombshell on his radio show this week and explained, “I mean, if Sam Darnold wins the Super Bowl as QB of the Minnesota Vikings, he’s not getting 100 million guaranteed here. He’s not because Kwesi in that group has worked so hard for two and a half years to get salary cap flexibility.” Image Courtesy of Paul Allen on Twitter. The theory is a bit stunning for one reason. Ask any Vikings anywhere “What happens with Sam Darnold if the Vikings win the Super Bowl this year?” — and most will say, “Give him whatever he wants.” Allen added, “And in essence, jettison picks in certain parts of the draft to get Greenard, to get Van Ginkel, to get Cashman.” Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images From a roster-building perspective, however, Allen’s declaration checks out. Foremost, let’s face it: the Vikings probably won’t win a Super Bowl in 2024. Darnold has played decently throughout most of the season but has shown some warts in the last couple of weeks. He’ll have to morph into 2012 Joe Flacco for Minnesota to win the chip. Meanwhile, McCarthy will be available as QB1 in 2025 on an affordable contract through the end of 2028. Those four years are the one chance to strike while the iron is hot, outfitting the roster around McCarthy with impact free agents and playmakers. Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports. Re-signing Darnold for $40 million per season or more would drag Minnesota back to the Kirk Cousins era when fans endlessly debated whether the QB1 was worth the money. With McCarthy, until 2028, no such debate applies. And according to Allen, Minnesota won’t re-up with Darnold at all unless the extension is team-friendly. Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL. All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.