RapSheet says: Vikings and Darnold want to work something out

[StickierBuns]

Statistically speaking it’s more likely JJ is Josh Rosen than Josh Allen. That’s an irrefutable fact. But, upon seeing what KOC has done with less talented QBs in his short tenure here, I’m more than willing to see what McCarthy can do. The sooner the better for obvious reasons.

I also appear to be one of a very few who can remember more than two games from last year. This is just ludicrous to me. What KOC coaxed out of Darnold is about 90% of the reason why he was COTY.  To me, I’d have a bit of faith in Darnold making the next step in year two with a hopefully rebuilt iOL. But, that opinion will probably never get tested.

Any fan still concerned about his knee injury just doesn’t understand what a meniscus tear is.

Totally legit take. I don't agree completely with your assessment of Darnold (its more than two games for me), but I do hear you. MB has said as much as well. As Ive mentioned, I understand why some fans may want to resign Darnold....but I don't with McCarthy drafted and sitting the bench. Kirk Herbstreit talked yesterday on the Pat McCafee Show that he thought McCarthy is going to elevate the Vikings more than Darnold, is a big supporter of JJM after watching his games in college. Expects big things from him as a pro. As do I. Not a fan of the bed shitters.....signing Darnold with McCarthy there doesn't make sense to me.

[MaroonBells]

Statistically speaking it’s more likely JJ is Josh Rosen than Josh Allen. That’s an irrefutable fact. But, upon seeing what KOC has done with less talented QBs in his short tenure here, I’m more than willing to see what McCarthy can do. The sooner the better for obvious reasons.

I also appear to be one of a very few who can remember more than two games from last year. This is just ludicrous to me. What KOC coaxed out of Darnold is about 90% of the reason why he was COTY.  To me, I’d have a bit of faith in Darnold making the next step in year two with a hopefully rebuilt iOL. But, that opinion will probably never get tested.

Any fan still concerned about his knee injury just doesn’t understand what a meniscus tear is.

There's just something really strange about the lack of market for Darnold. In a world where Dak, Tua and Trevor are getting $55-$60M per year, a 27 year old Pro Bowl QB who won 14 games and put up 4300 yards and 35 TDs doesn't have a market? 

I think the most likely argument against Sam isn't his last two games. It's that he's 100% a product of KOC's offense and weapons. There's obviously something to that. You'd be a fool to think Sam is going to replicate what he did in Minnesota on a lesser team. He won't. But even if you cut Sam's numbers in HALF (2200 yards and 18 TDs), it's still better than what many of these teams got from their QBs last year. 

Sam had three games where his passer rating fell below 100. Only one other QB in the history of the NFL has done that...and he was MVP. Call me crazy, but if I'm a GM of a QB-desperate team, I'd be much more willing to take a chance on a 3rd overall pick with elite arm talent finally being at least partially "solved" than the crap QBs in this free agency and draft classes.

[MAD GAINZ]

Totally legit take. I don't agree completely with your assessment of Darnold (its more than two games for me), but I do hear you. MB has said as much as well. As Ive mentioned, I understand why some fans may want to resign Darnold....but I don't with McCarthy drafted and sitting the bench. Kirk Herbstreit talked yesterday on the Pat McCafee Show that he thought McCarthy is going to elevate the Vikings more than Darnold, is a big supporter of JJM after watching his games in college. Expects big things from him as a pro. As do I. Not a fan of the bed shitters.....signing Darnold with McCarthy there doesn't make sense to me.

Agree, I'd rather start JJ McCarthy than run it back with Sam.  From the sounds of it, KOC was convinced JJ is their franchise guy after his injury.  I read recently that one NFL executive was quoted as saying this about how they view QBs:

#1 Acquire a blue chip QB on a rookie deal (duh)
#2 Retain a blue chip QB on a market rate deal (Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar, etc)
#3 Acquire a young QB on a rookie deal

These three scenarios give you the best chance to win a Super Bowl.  Option 1 is the hardest to do, takes luck and being in the right position to draft one.  But I thought it was interesting that getting a young QB on a rookie deal was ahead of paying a veteran, non-blue chip guy. It makes sense though because of the cap flexibility you get with that rookie QB contract.  Lets you build out the rest of the roster and figure out if that young QB is a blue chip guy or not.

The Vikings are in the unique position of pursuing #3 and determining if he meets the criteria for option #1.  If we re-sign Darnold, I hope it's for a very team friendly deal that allows us to trade him easily and get good compensation.  That is the only scenario that makes sense short and long term.

[Canthony]

There's just something really strange about the lack of market for Darnold. In a world where Dak, Tua and Trevor are getting $55-$60M per year, a 27 year old Pro Bowl QB who won 14 games and put up 4300 yards and 35 TDs doesn't have a market? 

I think the most likely argument against Sam isn't his last two games. It's that he's 100% a product of KOC's offense and weapons. There's obviously something to that. You'd be a fool to think Sam is going to replicate what he did in Minnesota on a lesser team. He won't. But even if you cut Sam's numbers in HALF (2200 yards and 18 TDs), it's still better than what many of these teams got from their QBs last year. 

Sam had three games where his passer rating fell below 100. Only one other QB in the history of the NFL has done that...and he was MVP. Call me crazy, but if I'm a GM of a QB-desperate team, I'd be much more willing to take a chance on a 3rd overall pick with elite arm talent finally being at least partially "solved" than the crap QBs in this free agency and draft classes.

I think it's pretty well known around the league that it was more KOC and the team than it was Darnold. I imagine that is why the market isnt much for him. I believe teams want their own friendly deal with Darnold to see if he can do it again, then decide on a long term deal.

[supafreak84]

There's just something really strange about the lack of market for Darnold. In a world where Dak, Tua and Trevor are getting $55-$60M per year, a 27 year old Pro Bowl QB who won 14 games and put up 4300 yards and 35 TDs doesn't have a market? 

I think the most likely argument against Sam isn't his last two games. It's that he's 100% a product of KOC's offense and weapons. There's obviously something to that. You'd be a fool to think Sam is going to replicate what he did in Minnesota on a lesser team. He won't. But even if you cut Sam's numbers in HALF (2200 yards and 18 TDs), it's still better than what many of these teams got from their QBs last year. 

Sam had three games where his passer rating fell below 100. Only one other QB in the history of the NFL has done that...and he was MVP. Call me crazy, but if I'm a GM of a QB-desperate team, I'd be much more willing to take a chance on a 3rd overall pick with elite arm talent finally being at least partially "solved" than the crap QBs in this free agency and draft classes.

I think the problem with Darnold is the everlasting image of "seeing ghosts" and him absolutely collapsing in the two biggest games of the season for the Vikings. It washes away almost every good thing he did last season.  He just doesn't show up in big games and that's been the case dating all the way back to USC. Sure he can win you some games if he has the right supporting cast and coaching, but I think any GM that wants to pay him upwards of 40+ million per season is a fool and deserves what they get.

[purplefaithful]

The whole mkt isnt making sense to me either...

If you're the Steelers, do you really want to trot-out Fields or Wilson over a 27 year old Pro Bowl QB in Darnold?

As a Viking fan, I am ready to move to the JJM era and see what we got.

But I would also be ok with Sam on a 2 year deal. One that wont kill FA/an easily trade-able contract and hold a competition this T.Camp for QB1.

[pattersaur]

Phil Hackey was criticizing Kwesi for failing to get value for Hunter, Kirk, and now it looks Darnold. I know why each situation is different but in totality I agree, it's getting annoying to keep seeing talent leave and the Vikings getting nothing in return.

[purplefaithful]

Phil Hackey was criticizing Kwesi for failing to get value for Hunter, Kirk, and now it looks Darnold. I know why each situation is different but in totality I agree, it's getting annoying to keep seeing talent leave and the Vikings getting nothing in return.

Yah, fair or not, the optics aren't pleasant. 

And sorry to go off the rails; KAM is still w/out an extension. 

May not mean anything, may mean a lot..I honestly dont know if I would extend him if I were the Wilfs.

IMO, its a 50/50 scale of why yes vs why no.

[pattersaur]

Florio stirring the pot today… Speculated people around the FO are torn on Darnold vs JJ, and the team isn’t sure how to play it. He insinuated that people don’t know who’s calling the shots on the decision. He also predicted that if the team gives Sam 2+ years that JJM will request a trade.

All of it strikes me as hooey but well, now it’s out there.

[purplefaithful]

Florio stirring the pot today… Speculated people around the FO are torn on Darnold vs JJ, and the team isn’t sure how to play it. He insinuated that people don’t know who’s calling the shots on the decision. He also predicted that if the team gives Sam 2+ years that JJM will request a trade.

All of it strikes me as hooey but well, now it’s out there.

Strikes me the same way...

Florio doesnt have credibility with me and he's just being a drama queen.