Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) passes against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
If you thought the Kirk Cousins Era was a ride, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold’s stock has soared to unexpected and mind-boggling levels, leading the purple team to a 13-2 record through 16 weeks and on track to tabulate about 4,300 passing yards and 38 touchdowns by season’s end.
And because Darnold is only in Minnesota on a one-year, $10 million contract, Vikings fans and NFL media have begun a predictable conversation — will the Vikings re-sign Darnold or let it ride with J.J. McCarthy, who the team drafted eight months ago?
That’s the state of play in the Twin Cities, equipped with “a good problem to have,” too many good quarterbacks to choose from. Some fans believe Darnold is “the guy,” showing his skill set and stellar performance every step of the way in 2024, so much so that it would be malpractice to willingly let him depart via free agency or franchise-tag-and-trade.
Others uplift loyalty to McCarthy, a 21-year-old who will provide optimal team-building for four more seasons because of his rookie contract’s affordability. Darnold will provide no such discount on the open market, likely to fetch $40-$50 million annually from his next employer.
Via The Athletic this week, one NFL player agent told Mike Sando, “Sam Darnold will be a Viking next year unless he bombs in the playoffs.”
So, there’s that theory.
Fantasy Life‘s Thor Nystrom has led the charge on the pro-McCarthy side, tweeting Monday, “Biggest thing Kirk Crusaders/Sam Supporters misunderstand is effect of salary cap on roster construction. Yearly difference between McCarthy $5m/Darnold $50m means JJ doesnt need to be as good as Sam to be more valuable to Vikings. $45m/yr buys ton of non-QB talent on open market.”
“JJ won a natty in a 12-personnel, pro-style O as 20-yo for a sitting NFL HC who said he was draft’s best player. Hes 1 of the most prolific winners we’ve seen at HS/CFB levels in 25 yrs. Has every tool. Spent a year learning under NFL’s premier QB whisperer. Trust me, he’s ready,” Nystrom added.
Some, like Vikings fan @skolney79, replied on X, “It’s not being misunderstood. We think a really good QB has value. And no, a bigger Darnold deal will not kill our cap, just like none of the Kirk deals killed our cap. It’s literally a false argument. Spend smart, draft well, you can easily pay a QB big $.”
@bigtobes48 added, “Betting the future of your franchise on a guy that hasn’t played a single regular season down when you already have a proven starter is certainly a choice.”
GuillotineLeagues.com’s Paul Charchian, too, responded to Nystrom’s tweet, “That’s all true, but I’ll counter with this: Every $1 spent on a better QB is worth more than $1 spent at any other position. There’s no assurance that the saved money will be spent wisely. Free agents underperform all the time.”
This May tweet has essentially been brought to life:
The offseason is still 3 to 7 weeks away, but get ready because the Darnold v. McCarthy debates are here and will only get louder. They’ll make any Cousins-themed argument seem pedestrian.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.