The Minnesota Vikings have their quarterback for the future, or so they hope.
Notably, it might not be the guy playing quarterback for them right now.
Sam Darnold was signed to be a stopgap while they got a rookie ready to play, and the plans may not have changed so far.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Vikings still haven’t talked with Darnold about signing him to a long-term deal, so he’s still slated to become a free agent at the end of the season.
Despite the success he had had replacing Kirk Cousins, whom he is facing off against today, Sam Darnold and the Vikings have not had any discussions regarding a long-term contract, per sources. Darnold is scheduled to be a free agent after this season. pic.twitter.com/cWQlwzWglK
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 8, 2024
Of course, most teams would’ve been quick to sign their quarterback after he led them to a 10-2 record through the first 13 weeks of the season.
Then again, they might still have big plans for J.J. McCarthy.
That doesn’t come without risks.
For starters, McCarthy’s sample size in college was limited.
Then, he has missed his entire rookie season with a major injury, and there are no guarantees about when he’ll return once he gets cleared to play.
Even if there are no setbacks, McCarthy would still be a rookie, and that could set this team back a year or two while he gets settled in.
On the other hand, Darnold’s ceiling also seems to be close to what we’ve seen from him right now.
He’s had the best season of his career by a significant margin, but whether he’ll be able to keep this up or get any better is anybody’s guess.
The Vikings are in a bit of a conundrum, but Darnold will cash in on a lucrative deal regardless of whether he stays there.
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