Sam Darnold Rumors: NFL Execs Debate Vikings QB's Contract Worth in Free Agency

The hard work of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is likely to be rewarded in a big way this offseason, according to The MMQB's Albert Breer.

Breer tried to get an early read of Darnold's market as a free agent this coming offseason.

One NFL team executive thought the 2018 first-round pick can get $110 million over three years with at least $40 million guaranteed. Another exec believes applying the franchise tag to Darnold would be a sensible move for the Vikings. Over the Cap projects the tag to be worth $41.3 million guaranteed.

Breer used Baker Mayfield's three-year, $90 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a guide for Darnold while accounting for the inflation that inevitably happens with quarterback salaries every year.

Darnold's performance is also surpassing what Mayfield did during his 2023 comeback campaign. He's throwing for more yards (253.8 per game) and has already matched the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner's touchdown output with 28 scores.

Looming in the background of Darnold's impending free agency is the fact the Vikings have their long-term solution at quarterback. They're not going to give up on J.J. McCarthy just because of his season-ending torn meniscus.

Part of the benefit behind selecting McCarthy was the cost control from his rookie contract. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah gets significantly more salary cap flexibility when his starting QB is making seven figures instead of the $30-plus million Kirk Cousins collected from the team.

The cost savings from McCarthy's contract is nullified if Minnesota is paying Darnold at a market rate.

The franchise tag is a route that at least keeps the Vikings from committing too much into the future. They'd have an additional year to see whether Darnold's resurgence is a fluke and more time to gauge McCarthy's recovery and his suitability to ascend to the starting role.