Limited market for Darnold?

[purplefaithful]

After moving past the disappointment of those past two games and after watching how Mahomes looked pretty average in the Super Bowl when he was pressured as Darnold was, I agree with this.  Certainly Darnold's history plays a role in the evaluation of the last two games, where as Mahomes get a pass, because of his, however Darnold was pretty amazing throughout the season and while a lot of credit is going to KOC, it was Darnold's talent and skill level that KOC tapped into.  If I am Pete Carroll and returning to coaching at 73 or a GM trying to create a winner, I am looking at Darnold as the best QB option out there.

I think he is too...

If we didnt just draft JJM, I would be completely on-board with keeping Sam. 

I think we've established he has a high floor, not sure of the ceiling?

I would have been curious to see what he could do with a year 2 in KOC system and with some better protection too.

[MaroonBells]

After moving past the disappointment of those past two games and after watching how Mahomes looked pretty average in the Super Bowl when he was pressured as Darnold was, I agree with this.  Certainly Darnold's history plays a role in the evaluation of the last two games, where as Mahomes get a pass, because of his, however Darnold was pretty amazing throughout the season and while a lot of credit is going to KOC, it was Darnold's talent and skill level that KOC tapped into.  If I am Pete Carroll and returning to coaching at 73 or a GM trying to create a winner, I am looking at Darnold as the best QB option out there.

Agree. Those last two games have left an enduring chill on Viking fans, but teams desperate for a QB will not ignore just how good he was in the previous 16.

[MAD GAINZ]

I think it's a very real possibility that our backup QB in 2025 is not on the roter. I just think Jones is probably going to get more money and a better starting opportunity elsewhere than the clear backup role and the $12M or so he'll get from the Vikings. 

Disagree about the comp picks though. Yes, we're going to be signing at least three or four players to big contracts. But those will not compare to the QB contracts. Both QB contracts will be enormous (relative to position players). Hell, even Mullens and Rypien will factor in if they get contracts somewhere else. And there are a LOT of 1-year contracts the Vikings probably won't bring back. Many of which play high value positions: Cam Robinson, Griffin and/or Gilmore, Tillery, Bullard, Jones and/or Akers, Risner, and about 6 or 7 others.

Agreed.

Darnold, Daniel Jones, Cam Robinson, Murphy, and Bynum will all likely get qualifying comp pick deals in FA.  Aaron Jones may not count if it's a short-term deal and factoring in his age.  But that's at least 5 guys who will likely get big money deals on the market.  Last year, we lost Kirk and Hunter and some minor FAs and will likely get an early 3rd this draft.  And we signed Greenard, Cashman, and Van Ginkel to bigger deals.

We'll likely be in line for a 3rd or 4th round comp pick if even 3 or 4 of these guys leave for other teams.  Might get a late round comp pick or two as well.

[JustInTime]

Agreed.

Darnold, Daniel Jones, Cam Robinson, Murphy, and Bynum will all likely get qualifying comp pick deals in FA.  Aaron Jones may not count if it's a short-term deal and factoring in his age.  But that's at least 5 guys who will likely get big money deals on the market.  Last year, we lost Kirk and Hunter and some minor FAs and will likely get an early 3rd this draft.  And we signed Greenard, Cashman, and Van Ginkel to bigger deals.

We'll likely be in line for a 3rd or 4th round comp pick if even 3 or 4 of these guys leave for other teams.  Might get a late round comp pick or two as well.

And another 3rd if BFlo leaves.

[supafreak84]

Rich Eisen listed his top 5 rumors he heard over the week at the NFL Combine. He lists #4 as Sam Darnold is the Vikings "plan A" at quarterback and intend to sign him to a multi year deal.

Take it as you will...

[JR44]

Rich Eisen listed his top 5 rumors he heard over the week at the NFL Combine. He lists #4 as Sam Darnold is the Vikings "plan A" at quarterback and intend to sign him to a multi year deal.

Take it as you will...

Think this is like last year's Cousin's situation, Vikes wanted to bring Cousins back, but at a certain contract length and dollars.  Do not think Vikes and Darnold will agree to what he wants or what he can get from other teams.

[supafreak84]

Think this is like last year's Cousin's situation, Vikes wanted to bring Cousins back, but at a certain contract length and dollars.  Do not think Vikes and Darnold will agree to what he wants or what he can get from other teams.

To me, Darnold back in a Viking uniform would be the biggest shocker of the offseason. I don't expect it to happen, I don't want it to happen, but there is certainly a little smoke out there right now

[StickierBuns]

Rich Eisen listed his top 5 rumors he heard over the week at the NFL Combine. He lists #4 as Sam Darnold is the Vikings "plan A" at quarterback and intend to sign him to a multi year deal.

Take it as you will...

If Minnesota signs Darnold according to this rumor, you may as well trade McCarthy then. And prepare yourself for the same ol' big game letdowns we've always grown accustomed to as Viking's fans cuz Sammy ain't it.

[purplefaithful]

It wouldn't surprise me if the Vikings did have an offer out as JR hypothesizes. Let Sam and JJ competition it out this summer.

But yah, its highly unlikely Sam is here for much longer if I had to place a bet on it.

[MaroonBells]

1. My first option has always been to tag and trade Darnold. You hand the keys to JJ and you maybe get a day two pick for the QB you rebuilt to go along with miles of cap space. But for whatever reason this does not seem to be in the cards. 

2. My second option is to sign Darnold to a modest 2-year deal. It provides security if we're wrong about McCarthy and gives the Vikings a now under-contract (big diff), tradable asset if/when McCarthy is ready to play. Vikings still have plenty of cap space and they get much more than a day two pick in return. 

3. My distant third option is to let Darnold walk for a 2026 comp pick. I've been saying for months that this was the most likely option, but it's also the one that makes me want to take a chainsaw to my thigh. 

∞. There is no acceptable scenario where McCarthy is traded.