Darnold's progressions and release

[MaroonBells]

Gotta love Viking fans. Last two years it was "sure, we can win the close ones. I want to see us blow someone out." This year it's "sure we can blow out teams, but can we win the close ones?" 

Regarding Darnold, I'm sure he'll have a few clunkers, but I don't think we're going to see a return to Bad Sam for any extended stretch of games. The line, the weapons, the backs, the play caller...none of them are going away. In fact we're only going to add to it with the return of Addison and Hockenson. Hell, even the biggest weakness on the offense (Ingram's pass blocking) can be upgraded with Risner if we so choose.

[JimmyinSD]

The reality is that even if Darnold takes us to the playoffs...he's not going to jump to a franchise level payday immediately. Other teams are going to be hesitant to assume that Darnold is a changed man and not dependent on a system and a strong set of position players including the best receiver in football. He'll likely command somewhere in between his current salary and franchise level salary both in terms of amount and timeframe. Will that involve the Vikings with JJM waiting in the wings?...I guess we'll find out.

where other teams will have the advantage in vs the Vikes is length of contract, MN is likely only going to want him for 1 more year unless something changes with JJM, I would assume after a successful showing in 24 that SD would want to follow that up with some more longer term security, especially if he is going to a team with less surrounding talent ( on and off the field) it will be a good problem for him to have if his play continues at this level.

[JimmyinSD]

whats funny is there were 1 or 2 around here that were interested in SD when the Jets were ready to move on, but after Carolina his name wasnt mentioned again until this offseason.. looks like maybe there was more there after all.

[MaroonBells]

where other teams will have the advantage in vs the Vikes is length of contract,  MN is likely only going to want him for 1 more year unless something changes with JJM,  I would assume after a successful showing in 24 that SD would want to follow that up with some more longer term security,  especially if he is going to a team with less surrounding talent ( on and off the field) it will be a good problem for him to have if his play continues at this level.

Yeah, there are a dozen different factors to consider, but if he continues to play like this, the Vikings would be fools for not at least considering an extension. 

Sure, the Vikings feel pretty confident they got their guy in McCarthy. But you don't mess around with the QB position. If you got a bird in the hand, you'd be fools for letting him walk and replacing him with an unknown, especially if the bird in your hand is a former 3rd overall pick who is actually starting to play like one. Because as good as McCarthy looked, it was the preseason. It might piss people off to say this, but he is an unknown whether we like it or not. 

Sam will want a long term deal. Probably 3 years, like Mayfield got. But in Sam's mind, that should be offset by the knowledge that he may not be able to replicate this on other teams (and whoever those teams are will be conscious of that fact as well), so it's possible the Vikings can get him for 2. But I would only do it if we can avoid the dreaded no-trade clause. If so, the Vikings could trade him for a 1st round pick in '26 and hand the keys to JJ. He'll still be only 23 years old. Two years of development, taking over a high-powered offense with a ton of cap space and a couple 1st rounders? That's a beautiful thing if we can swing it. 

Because while I'm sure the Vikings were expecting to take full advantage of the "QB on a rookie deal" thing in 2025 to build a Super Bowl roster, they would only be putting it off one year in the above scenario. I think it's something they have to consider.

[Bullazin]

Yeah, there are a dozen different factors to consider, but if he continues to play like this, the Vikings would be fools for not at least considering an extension. 

Sure, the Vikings feel pretty confident they got their guy in McCarthy. But you don't mess around with the QB position. If you got a bird in the hand, you'd be fools for letting him walk and replacing him with an unknown, especially if the bird in your hand is a former 3rd overall pick who is actually starting to play like one. Because as good as McCarthy looked, it was the preseason. It might piss people off to say this, but he is an unknown whether we like it or not. 

Sam will want a long term deal. Probably 3 years, like Mayfield got. But in Sam's mind, that should be offset by the knowledge that he may not be able to replicate this on other teams (and whoever those teams are will be conscious of that fact as well), so it's possible the Vikings can get him for 2. But I would only do it if we can avoid the dreaded no-trade clause. If so, the Vikings could trade him for a 1st round pick in '26 and hand the keys to JJ. He'll still be only 23 years old. Two years of development, taking over a high-powered offense with a ton of cap space and a couple 1st rounders? That's a beautiful thing if we can swing it. 

Because while I'm sure the Vikings were expecting to take full advantage of the "QB on a rookie deal" thing in 2025 to build a Super Bowl roster, they would only be putting it off one year in the above scenario. I think it's something they have to consider.

Is the transition tag still a thing?  That would be the least I would consider if Sam wins a playoff game.  And yeah, it would be foolish to let a proven winner at QB go for nothing.  Won’t happen.

[JimmyinSD]

article on SDs future

https://www.outkick.com/sports/nfl-perso...inues-like

[purplefaithful]

article on SDs future

https://www.outkick.com/sports/nfl-perso...inues-like

If Darnold keeps playing like he has (big if) there will be plenty of suitors...And probably for a danny dimes type of contract.

We got 14 games to go and to quote the article "how much will Sam regress to the mean?" remains to be seen. 

Sam aside, the other big issue I see (and Ive said it b4) is we really dont know what we got in JJM yet. And I'm not convinced the Vikings are ready trade off 1 in hand for 2 in the bush on a QB thats never taken a live snap in a real game. 

I am glad we got 14 games to go - hopefully what plays out clearly outlines what the Vikings should do. 

Why isnt it ever cut and dried for this team lol!

[Waterboy]

If SD keeps this team ballin out,  you cant let him walk in hopes that JJM comes back and is able to step right into a starting role.  Imagine having a roster assembled that is ready to contend, you let your starting QB walk that got you close the previous year.. and then you start an unproven commodity and fail to make the playoffs,  want to talk hot seat,  IMO that would be tough to overcome,  and does that really build on your success in terms of drawing free agents?  "sure we were close this year,  but we are going a different direction with the most important position on the team,  but we feel really good about him"  If anything you tag SD for 1 year,  or get him onto a very friendly deal that you can trade him if JJM does beat him out,  but you dont build off this years potential success by handing it to an unproven rookie.

You can’t afford a $50MM a year qb  contract at this point. You’d simply be reversing everything you accomplished this offseason.  Not happening unless you win it all.

[Vanguard83]

Regarding a big payday for SD - I understand the appeal of big money, but do you want to give up a great culture, coaches, players, scheme, for something more dysfunctional (like his first three teams?)

Asking for a friend.

[hogjowlsjohnny]

It's almost always money that determines where free agents go to play. But we are putting the cart before the horse with this talk about Darnold's future. It's only three games.