Despite Bad Stretch of Games, Sam Darnold's Market is Still North of $30M Per Year, According to James Palmer

The Vikes are at 70 million in free space to start and could resign him if they want to.

Jones is an unknown quantity with the Vikes but his body of work with the Giants is hit and miss. Just because he would be cheaper doesn’t mean it’s the right move.

Darnold clearly clicked with his team this year. The right move might be to sign him to a contract with what is being talked about.
Darnold was an unknown quantity with the Vikes last year. He was meant to be the back up.

If I was the coach or GM, I would let Darnold walk, take the following year comp pick.


Sign Jones to a small contract and see what happens with McCarthy. Invest the other money into big needs in FA and use the draft for BPA picks or accumulate picks in later drafts.

You have a 1st round QB on a rookie deal ,another former 1st round on a " prove it " deal for backup. This past season success allows you some free time to see what they can do. Sure there will be a lot of fans who will be upset you let Darnold. However, if Mccarthy pans out , you won't have to worry about a significant salary hit for a couple more years.

Take advantage and shore up a defense to face the Lions, Packers twice a year. Get another stud WR opposite Jefferson or runningback to help out young QB