Washington Post: Darnold finally the QB other teams never let him become

I know this is an unpopular opinion (not my first)...but, if Darnold proves himself to be truly sync'd with the offense and the culture through a deep playoff run this season...I think extension should be on the table. We drafted JJM high, and have high hopes, but Sam's proving it in actual games.

Well, as the Purple King's #1 fan, I don't like it....lol ;) But I also understand it would have to be a consideration, zero doubt about it. A deep playoff run and Sammy keeps looking really good? Yeah....would have to be some strong offseason evaluations and discussion about the go-forward strategy. As we stand now, I think 100% the plan is this is McCarthy's team next year. But sustained excellence in a real way for Darnold, and that's what it would have to be, keep moving that bar up for himself AND the team. They'd have to win a lot of games. But I don't see it happening to a level of sitting JJM another year.

Two problems.  We haven’t done a deep playoff run as we’ve only played two playoff games.  You destroy all the work you’ve done with the cap and basically kill your competitive window by doing so with few draft picks in the upcoming draft.  The only way it makes any sense is if you knew you had drafted a dud in McCarthy and I’m pretty sure the Vikes don’t think that is the case.

That's a good point and I mentioned JJM's contract being a factor in the decision as well in another thread. My guess its 95% no matter what Darnold does that JJ is the starter in 2025. I think McCarthy is the Chosen One for KOC and vice versa.