Keeping JJM will be a business decision

[StickierBuns]

I agree, it's unlikely Sam is going to replicate what he did in Minnesota for another team. But he doesn't have to. That will not be the expectation. The hope for a team who signs him will be that he's on a new course and he continues developing. Plus, I don't think teams believe it was all system and weapons in Minnesota. Darnold learned a lot about playing QB from O'Connell and his staff. Still, Sam's new team would be wise to try to achieve some continuity for him by bringing over some of those pieces. 

Also, I  think the concerns you mention are already baked into Sam's value. Most people are talking a Baker-like deal (3 years, $100M). That is not a salary befitting at 27yo QB with 14 wins 4300 yards and 35 TDs. $100M for a QB is a pittance. It would rank 19th among NFL QBs.

Sure, Titans might choose to keep developing Levis, although I tend to think they've seen enough. But have you looked at the QB depth charts for the Raiders, Giants, Steelers, Jets, Browns? And the QBs available in free agency and draft? Yuck.

The huge temptation for a few teams with Darnold will be: no draft compensation probably in a trade or very little, a weak QB class in the Draft and Darnold is only 27 years old. I think the Raiders and Steelers are going to be very interested and vice versa.

[comet52]

Darnold's agent with the help of muppets like Orlovski will hard sell the idea that those two games weren't his fault, he learned from the mistakes, he's eager to build on 14 wins, he's so much better because of what KOC taught him, etc.

Multiple teams that have shit for a QB will sniff around and the market will set a price. One that the Vikings will not pay. Multiple high dollar years aren't doable unless they abandon the JJM plan. There is zero chance of that imo. Sam is positioned to get the biggest payday he'll ever see. It's not going to be in purple.

The best option is to go to Sam's agent and try to create a win-win. Offer to tag him to help set a price floor, in exchange for the agent facilitating a trade for reasonable value. Probably a second rounder.

That's how I see it. I see no scenario, barring injury, where JJM is not our QB next year, probably with Jones as the backup.

[StickierBuns]

That's how I see it.  I see no scenario, barring injury, where JJM is not our QB next year, probably with Jones as the backup.

Agreed. Would love to see Minnesota get comped in some way with Darnold, but I'm not sure that is going to happen. My A+ QB offseason is JJ at QB1 and Danny Dimes at QB2.

[hogjowlsjohnny]

Agreed. Would love to see Minnesota get comped in some way with Darnold, but I'm not sure that is going to happen. My A+ QB offseason is JJ at QB1 and Danny Dimes at QB2.

I would be happy with JJ and Mullins.

[JimmyinSD]

I would be happy with JJ and Mullins.

Whats the point of Mullins if they wont play him to try and salvage a playoff run?  Whem KOC didnt use mullins against the rams when it was more than apparent that SD was incapable of getting it done,  then why have him on the roster at all?

[comet52]

Whats the point of Mullins if they wont play him to try and salvage a playoff run?  Whem KOC didnt use mullins against the rams when it was more than apparent that SD was incapable of getting it done,  then why have him on the roster at all?

That's like asking what was the point of Sean Mannion. Somebody has to hold the clipboard I guess.

[MaroonBells]

I would be happy with JJ and Mullins.

Mullens is a free agent and I think he's done in Minnesota. Vikings brought on Daniel Jones likely because they wanted a better, more experienced #2 behind their young QB if Darnold moved on. 

But will Daniel Jones stay with the Vikings on a, say, $10M deal if one of those QB desperate teams offers him a starting job and the salary that goes with it? Hard to see. If he does, you should just write a $10M check to Kevin O'Connell because he's the only reason Jones would do that.

[pattersaur]

Mullens is a free agent and I think he's done in Minnesota. Vikings brought on Daniel Jones likely because they wanted a better, more experienced #2 behind their young QB if Darnold moved on. 

But will Daniel Jones stay with the Vikings on a, say, $10M deal if one of those QB desperate teams offers him a starting job and the salary that goes with it? Hard to see. If he does, you should just write a $10M check to Kevin O'Connell because he's the only reason Jones would do that.

On the other hand, is Jones worth $7M more than a guy like Garapolo who someone brought up earlier? Looking quickly, I see Cashman, Metellus, and Harry all had cap numbers around $7M last season. He might be, but it's not like Jones is our only option. The Vikings signed Sam after the FA pool was basically empty.

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IMO, I think its hard for some fans, media, etc. to grasp the concept that Minnesota might most likely let Darnold go.

I actually believe the opposite is happening. Sam messed the bed with everyone watching so fans are overreacting. Darnold will absolutely have a market-- he had a great year-- and I hope the Vikings can capitalize on that.

[TheWinterSKOLdier]

Supply & Demand. Every year there are QB-starved teams out there desperate to upgrade the position. This year is no different. The question is who's available. If you look at FA, Darnold really is the cream of the crop, last 2 games notwithstanding. Draft? If you really think Cam Ward or Deion's kid is it then go for it champ, otherwise Sam is your best bet.

Since we're only looking at having 4 picks in this year's draft, I would really hope that we could recoup some draft choices via a tag & trade. Considering the market, we may get that chance.

[purplefaithful]

The more time goes on, the less chance I think Dimes stays...Too much $ to be had vs staying here for $10 or $15mm on a 1 year contract.

UNLESS, they promise him the chance to compete for QB1, then all bets are off.