Darnold is currency. Use it.

[MaroonBells]

On March 17th, 2021, a year after drafting Jalen Hurts, the Eagles traded Carson Wentz and won a Super Bowl with the return. I know he's not under contract, but we've got to find a way to get something for Sam Darnold. Extension, tag and trade, whatever it takes. We have our QBOTF. Build McCarthy's surround with the currency you built by rebuilding Sam Darnold. It can be done, but it will take some brass. Somehow I don't think we will. 

Wentz was traded for two 3rds; Watson was traded for three 1’s, one 3, two 4’s; Wilson was traded for two 1’s, two 2’s, 3 players; Rodgers was traded for two 2’s. NONE of those players had the kind of year Sam did. What's more, Wentz was horrible (16 TDs, 15 INTs), Watson was facing serious legal issues, Wilson was 34 and Rodgers was 40! Sam won 14 games, made the Pro Bowl and is 27 years old. 

[JustInTime]

I'm guessing a commodities guy is going to get us a return on that one year investment. Just need two QB needy teams to bid on a PRO BOWL 27 YEAR OLD QB. Are there two needy teams? Yes. Are there more? Also yes. Hell, there's two needy teams in New York (technically New Jersey) alone. Vegas? New Orleans? Cleveland? Seattle? Pittsburgh?

And if no one bites, remove the tag and get a third next year.

[StickierBuns]

I don't think he is. Prepare to be disappointed, he's going to walk.

[JustInTime]

I don't think he is. Prepare to be disappointed, he's going to walk.

Pure speculation on my part. KOC has already said Darnold  earned the right to be a FA.

If you're Kwesi, how does that very public comment sit with you?

"Here's the most valuable commodity in the NFL and IT'S FREE. I'll leave it on the curb for you"



Totally riffing, but maybe there's a reason Kwesi  hasn't signed his extension yet staring us in the face.

[StickierBuns]

Pure speculation on my part. KOC has already said Darnold  earned the right to be a FA.

If you're Kwesi, how does that very public comment sit with you?

"Here's the most valuable commodity in the NFL and IT'S FREE. I'll leave it on the curb for you"



Totally riffing, but maybe there's a reason Kwesi  hasn't signed his extension yet staring us in the face.

I just don't think Darnold is a valuable commodity tagged and where compensation is required. I think his appeal lands for a few teams as a FA that is only locked in financially, not with draft capital or a player. And if you tag him for $40+ million and teams say 'nah', then the Vikings are screwed. I mean, we'll find out here in not too long, but the media acts like they know right now....and they don't. Its Stupid Season already, as we've seen. Could be off base on this, but I don't think this whole thing is as easy as sign and trade with Darnold IMO.

[comet52]

Anyone know if Kwesi revamped the scouting team so help with drafting?

I don't think he is. Prepare to be disappointed, he's going to walk.

Yeah. I've gone over the logic of this before but maybe it bears repeating.

Unless Sam's agent discovers a real weak market next week when he's at the combine bar having conversations with NFL front office guys that are in no way tampering just guys havin' drinks, cough, then Uncle Sammy is gone and the Vikings will get a comp pick in 2026.

But if interested teams tell the agent they think $30 mil/yr is Sam's market, then maybe he and Sam come to the Vikings for a tag to facilitate a higher salary floor. If there's another plausible scenario (emphasis on plausible) where the Vikings get more than a comp pick I would be happy to hear about it.

The Vikings have tried to play poker here, but the whole NFL world saw Sam with his pants down in the 2 big games at the end. Bluff away but everyone knows we aren't holding the nuts any more. They leaked out plenty of "Sam returns" noise through Pelissero and others but lately it's been more noise about Sam's leaving.

It is what it is as Sticky the Magician said.

[JustInTime]

I just don't think Darnold is a valuable commodity tagged and where compensation is required. I think his appeal lands for a few teams as a FA that is only locked in financially, not with draft capital or a player. And if you tag him for $40+ million and teams say 'nah', then the Vikings are screwed. I mean, we'll find out here in not too long, but the media acts like they know right now....and they don't. Its Stupid Season already, as we've seen. Could be off base on this, but I don't think this whole thing is as easy as sign and trade with Darnold IMO.

Have you seen this draft class?

---

$40 million for Darnold

$60 million for Dak

$55 million for Love

Who you picking?

[StickierBuns]

Have you seen this draft class?

---

$40 million for Darnold

$60 million for Dak

$55 million for Love

Who you picking?

No doubt, we've had those discussions recently on just what you say here and its valid. I do think someone will pay Darnold. I just think he's a LOT more attractive with financial compensation only and not comp because Uncle Sammy shit the bed the last 2 games in epic fashion. And his history before last year was pretty bad. I don't think he's 'fixed'.

[AGRforever]

I don't think he is. Prepare to be disappointed, he's going to walk.

Exactly.  Vikings don't have any leverage.  He's not under contract.  If we tag him, we need all of this to happen:

A.  The Vikings have to be willing to potentially get left holding the bag and he returns at $45M next year.
B.  A team willing to sign him to a long term extension because nobody is trading for a 1 yr rental at $45m.....unless you're the Falcons.....
C.  A team willing to give up draft capital to make this all worth the effort.

My guess is no such team exists because they could just wait for us to not re-sign him. 

I think we'll give Danny Dimes $10-15M on a 1 year deal and roll with him and JJM.

[medaille]

I don't think he is. Prepare to be disappointed, he's going to walk.

Pure speculation on my part. KOC has already said Darnold  earned the right to be a FA.

If you're Kwesi, how does that very public comment sit with you?

"Here's the most valuable commodity in the NFL and IT'S FREE. I'll leave it on the curb for you"



Totally riffing, but maybe there's a reason Kwesi  hasn't signed his extension yet staring us in the face.

I think going into the season, they made an agreement with Darnold that this was a one year thing and that he was going to come here to maximize his value on the free agency market, and they're just not going to reneg on that verbal agreement.  I don't think KOC said anything that everyone wasn't already in agreement on.