Schefter: Sam Darnold, Vikings Haven't Discussed Long-Term Contract Amid Playoff Race

The Minnesota Vikings have not yet discussed a long-term extension with quarterback Sam Darnold, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Monday.

"I think that they figure, let's let the season play out, let's see where goes," Schefter said Monday on the Pat McAfee Show.

Darnold has led the Vikings to a 13-2 start while ranking sixth in the NFL with 3,776 yards and fifth with 32 touchdown passes.

He could be in high demand this offseason if allowed to hit free agency at the conclusion of his one-year deal with the Vikings.

Schefter predicted that at least seven NFL teams will be looking for a new quarterback after this season, and that Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward are the only signal callers in the upcoming draft that "teams feel very strongly about."

The New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders are on track to have the best odds for the first overall pick in the upcoming draft. Those two teams, alongside the Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets, are easy picks for clubs that are likely looking at adding a quarterback this offseason.

Given that five of those teams will be left without a consensus top quarterback prospect following the draft, free agent signal callers could be at a premium this spring.

The Vikings also have 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, who is sitting out the season with a knee injury, waiting for his chance to start next season. O'Connell said ahead of the season that Minnesota sees McCarthy as the team's future franchise quarterback.

Darnold could up the stakes by leading the Vikings to playoff success. Minnesota only won a single postseason game in the Kirk Cousins era. Vikings could be motivated to offer Darnold another deal for another season as a bridge quarterback for McCarthy if he can lead the franchise back to playoff success.

In that case, given that Darnold has had his most successful season as QB1 playing with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson, he could potentially be motivated to return to Minnesota despite demand from other teams in free agency.

For now, Darnold will focus on keeping the Vikings on track for the top seed in the NFC by winning out starting with Sunday's division matchup with the Green Bay Packers.