Inside The Vikings

Report: Vikings, Sam Darnold haven't discussed contract extension

Darnold is one of two quarterbacks (Lamar Jackson is the other) with 10 games with a 100+ passer rating this season.
Joe Nelson|
Nov 24, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
Nov 24, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images | Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

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Minnesota Vikings

It's Week 14 in the NFL. Sam Darnold is one of only two quarterbacks to post a passer rating above 100 in 10 different games. He's clearly setting himself up for a mega payday as a free agent after the season, but it still appears that the Vikings won't be among the teams bidding for his services.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Darnold and the Vikings "have not had any discussions regarding a long-term contract."

Darnold ranks fifth in the NFL with 23 touchdown passes and his 102.5 passer rating ranks seventh. He's helped lead Minnesota to a 10-2 record, on the verge of clinching a playoff spot while keeping the 12-1 Detroit Lions within striking distance for a shot at the NFC North title and the No. 1 overall seed.

As good as he's been, Minnesota's future at quarterback is J.J. McCarthy. He was the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft and was beginning to take some first-team snaps before a torn meniscus ended his rookie season after only one preseason game.

Additionally, the recent signing of former Giants quarterback Daniel Jones sets the stage for Jones to potentially sign a deal with the Vikings to, at a minimum, be McCarthy's backup similar to what Darnold did for one season in San Francisco behind Brock Purdy before finding a starting job in Minnesota.

Matthew Coller: Darnold's arm talent is making anything possible with Vikings offense

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Joe Nelson
JOE NELSON

Joe Nelson has more than 20 years of experience in Minnesota sports journalism. Nelson began his career in sports radio, working at smaller stations in Marshall and St. Cloud before moving to the highly-rated KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities. While there, he produced the popular mid-morning show hosted by Minnesota Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen. His time in radio laid the groundwork for his transition to sports writing in 2011. He covers the Vikings, Timberwolves, Gophers and Twins for On SI.

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