BREAKING: Despite a poor playoff showing, Sam Darnold is set to receive a Max contract with a new historic Franchise

The Minnesota Vikings’ regular season was one for the history books, showcasing remarkable achievements and promising signs for the future. However, their postseason journey ended on a bitter note with a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card game. Quarterback Sam Darnold, who had been instrumental in the Vikings’ success during the season, struggled in back-to-back critical games, casting doubt on his future with the team.

Darnold’s performance in the playoff defeat was underwhelming. He completed 62.4% of his passes for 245 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, but his struggles extended beyond the stat sheet. He was sacked a staggering nine times, setting a new NFL playoff record. The pressure exposed weaknesses in his game, overshadowing what had been a career-reviving year.

NFL insider Jeremy Fowler weighed in on Darnold’s situation, posting on X (formerly Twitter) on January 14:
“Few thoughts on Sam Darnold: He’s still the top free-agent QB. The last two games don’t help, but teams I’ve spoken to recently had forecasted him in the Geno Smith/Baker Mayfield weight class of contracts. Thus, $50M per year was never on the line.”

Darnold, who signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Vikings, had entered the season with modest expectations. Yet, his stellar regular-season performance, highlighted by 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and a 14-win campaign, sparked discussions of a lucrative long-term deal. Projections for his next contract ranged from $100 million to nearly $200 million, bolstered by his first Pro Bowl appearance. But his struggles in two high-stakes games may have cost him millions in potential earnings.

The Rams, meanwhile, delivered a dominant performance, setting multiple franchise and league records in their victory. For Darnold, however, the game highlighted a regression reminiscent of his earlier struggles with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers. Over his last two games, against the Rams and Detroit Lions, Darnold completed just 23 passes on-target, per ESPN Research, while enduring 11 sacks.

Kevin Seifert of ESPN commented on the dramatic shift in Darnold’s fortunes:
“Where he once seemed on track for the Vikings to re-sign him or at least use their franchise tag to retain him for 2025, Darnold now heads toward free agency with his future as unsettled as ever.”

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell acknowledged Darnold’s regular-season contributions but was candid about his recent shortcomings. O’Connell refrained from revealing the team’s plans at quarterback, leaving the door open for various possibilities. The uncertainty is compounded by the presence of J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings’ 2024 first-round pick, who missed the entire season due to a torn meniscus but is reportedly making progress in his recovery.

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio didn’t hold back in his analysis:
“When the lights got the brightest, Sam Darnold reverted to his ghost-seeing ways. That makes it a lot easier to allow Darnold to become a free agent and to move forward with 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy.”

Despite the uncertainties surrounding Darnold, his free-agency market remains intriguing. Several quarterback-needy teams could still view him as a viable option, especially if injuries or unmet draft aspirations create opportunities. However, Darnold’s inconsistency may have dampened the enthusiasm of some potential suitors.

Adding another layer to the Vikings’ quarterback conundrum is Daniel Jones, whose role in the team’s future remains unclear. Jones, often viewed as a wild card, could factor into the Vikings’ decision-making as they navigate a pivotal offseason.

For Sam Darnold, the coming months will determine whether he can rebuild his reputation and secure a starting role in the NFL. As for the Vikings, they face critical decisions that will shape their future at quarterback and, ultimately, their aspirations for a deeper playoff run.