Agent offers bold take about Vikings QB Sam Darnold

In his first 15 starts, the 2018 No. 3 overall pick ranks sixth in the league in passing yards (3,776), fifth in TD passes (32), and 13th in QBR (62). 

Minnesota, however, selected former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with pick No. 10 in the 2024 NFL Draft. Although he suffered a season-ending knee injury in preseason, the Vikings still hope he becomes the future of the franchise.

Re-signing Darnold, 27, won't be cheap. Spotrac estimates his market value is a four-year deal worth $35.4M annually. QB-needy teams (Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders?) may be willing to pay more than that.

Darnold may want to stay with Minnesota, though. The Vikings feature one of the best wide receivers in the NFL in three-time Pro Bowler Justin Jefferson as well as an offensive wizard in head coach Kevin O'Connell. 

The Vikings could franchise-tag Darnold to keep him in Minnesota. This would give them an insurance policy if McCarthy isn't ready to assume the starting role.

"[The Vikings] can afford that," the agent said. "What they can't afford is turning it over to a rookie coming off a season-ending injury. The only Darnold caveat at this point is the playoffs."

Minnesota (13-2) can clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC if it beats the Green Bay Packers (10-4) and Detroit Lions (13-2) in Weeks 17 and 18. Securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs could help Darnold make a deep run and solidify his future with the organization.