But Matthew Berry says....

[Zanary]

I think we'd be having very different conversations about SD if he did dazzle, won the NORTH and a playoff game or two.

Absolutely, but...the "ifs" have plagued every QB we've had forever. The OL protection is a legit reason/excuse for a lot of problems for too many seasons, but Darnold's deer-in-headlights tendencies under elite pressure from top-line defenses was undeniable. He can bounce back from mistakes, he's proven that, but if the opposing defense gets him to doubt his reads/processes, he wilts. Maybe some of that could be laid at KOC's feet for not getting him quick/simple plays to help his timing and confidence, but most of it's on Sam.

The long and short of it is that winning deep into the playoffs takes a very impressive team, overall, and the star players need to "dazzle" under the brightest lights. The Vikings have winced in those situations for a long time.

[purplefaithful]

Dimes will be gone if Darnold stays.  I still don't really see the upside of another year of Darnold unless you believe McCarthy isn't the answer.

Yah, I tend to agree with both...

I'm not pounding the table for an extension. But I wouldn't lose sleep over a 2 year, easy out contract for Sam. As long as JJ gets a real shot at QB1 and we're not wasting valuable time with a rookie qb contract.

[JimmyinSD]

Dimes will be gone if Darnold stays.  I still don't really see the upside of another year of Darnold unless you believe McCarthy isn't the answer.

I expect Jones to be gone regardless.. what is the upside to staying in MN when the coach wants JJM,  the front office needs JJM, the fans want JJM.... what does he have to gain here?  

He can likely get a multi year deal with more guaranteed money than MN will be willing to put up.  I just dont subscribe to this notion that these guys are going to give up money to attend KOCs QB camp another year.