The Minnesota Vikings had a clear plan for their future.
However, as we’ve seen multiple times in the past, plans can change.
As much as they clearly liked Sam Darnold — otherwise, they wouldn’t have signed him — they most likely did not foresee him being this good.
That’s why, despite them already having a potential future quarterback in J.J. McCarthy, they might want their veteran to stay there.
According to a report by Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Vikings want the veteran to stay there for a little longer:
“They spent a first-round pick on J.J. McCarthy last spring and Darnold is in for a big payday in March. Despite that, after conversations with a team source, one thing is clear: The Vikings want Darnold back in Minnesota for 2025,” Russini said.
Darnold had struggled to find his footing in the league.
He went from one of the top picks in the NFL Draft to being a perennial backup.
Now, with Kevin O’Connell’s tutelage, a myriad of weapons, and some elite protection, he looks like a legitimate star.
Both parties will have to evaluate all risks involved in a potential long-term relationship.
One thing’s for sure, though: Sam Darnold has played his way into a massive pay raise.
Whether he’ll get it in Minnesota or not remains to be seen.
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