Minnesota Vikings Pursue New Sam Darnold Deal, But Financial Gap Remains
As the Minnesota Vikings continue to fine-tune their roster for the future, one player they’ve reportedly been eyeing is Sam Darnold, the talented quarterback who has had an up-and-down career in the NFL. After stints with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, Darnold has shown flashes of potential, but questions about his consistency have lingered. Now, as the Vikings seek a quarterback who can serve as a reliable backup or potential future starter, they are exploring the possibility of bringing Darnold to Minnesota. However, while the Vikings appear to have interest in Darnold, the two sides seem to be far apart when it comes to the financials of a deal.
The Minnesota Vikings’ Quarterback Situation
As of now, the Vikings have Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback, and while Cousins has been solid during his tenure in Minnesota, the team is reportedly looking for a young quarterback who can develop and potentially challenge for the starting spot in the future. Kellen Mond, who was drafted in 2021, and Nick Mullens, a recent addition to the roster, are among the quarterbacks currently on the depth chart, but the Vikings may feel they need more depth, or at least competition, in their quarterback room.
Darnold, still relatively young, is an intriguing option. Though he has had his struggles, his arm talent and mobility could fit well in the Vikings’ offensive system under Kevin O’Connell. Given Darnold’s potential and the need for a backup who can step in if necessary, Minnesota could view him as a low-risk, high-reward addition.
The Financial Gap: What’s the Hold-Up?
While the Vikings’ interest in Darnold seems reasonable, reports indicate that the two sides are far apart when it comes to financial terms. Sam Darnold is a former No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft, and while he’s had a rocky career, his pedigree and experience still hold value. He’s been paid handsomely by both the Jets and Panthers, but now that he’s on the open market, the question becomes how much he’s worth.
On the one hand, the Vikings are likely looking for a cost-effective deal, especially as they are dealing with salary cap constraints and already have a high-priced starting quarterback in Kirk Cousins. They may not be willing to offer Darnold a significant contract, particularly if they are only envisioning him as a backup or developmental player. Given that Darnold has yet to prove himself as a consistent starter, Minnesota may not want to invest heavily in a long-term deal.
On the other hand, Darnold likely has hopes of securing a deal that reflects his potential upside. He’s still young, and some teams may view him as a future starter or at least a capable backup with starting experience. Given his draft status and the flashes of promise he’s shown, Darnold could be looking for a deal that offers him an opportunity to prove himself and a salary that reflects his potential.
This discrepancy between what each side is willing to offer has created a significant financial gap. Darnold’s camp may be looking for a deal closer to starting quarterback money or at least a contract that offers him a chance to compete for a starting role, while the Vikings are more likely trying to find a deal that balances financial responsibility with the uncertainty surrounding Darnold’s long-term prospects.
Other Teams in the Mix?
While the Vikings are reportedly pursuing Darnold, they are not the only team potentially interested. Several other NFL teams may be keeping an eye on Darnold as well, especially given that quarterbacks with his experience rarely hit the open market. If another team offers him a more lucrative contract or a better opportunity for playing time, Darnold may be swayed to move elsewhere.
However, the Vikings’ appeal lies in the opportunity to work with an established coaching staff under Kevin O’Connell and learn in a system that has shown the ability to develop quarterbacks. Whether or not this is enough to convince Darnold to take less money remains to be seen, but the financial gap between what the Vikings are offering and what Darnold is hoping for could continue to be a significant hurdle.
The Long-Term Implications for the Vikings
The Vikings’ pursuit of Darnold is part of a broader trend in the NFL: teams looking to secure their quarterback depth and invest in a potential future starter. For the Vikings, this could be a move that pays dividends in the long run, especially if Darnold lives up to his potential and can be developed into a quality backup or even a future starter if things don’t work out with Cousins in the future. The potential for Darnold to develop under a system that emphasizes quarterback growth could be what the Vikings are banking on.
However, if the two sides are unable to come to an agreement, Minnesota will need to explore other options. With the NFL draft and free agency still ahead, there may be other quarterbacks who could provide the team with the depth they need.
Ultimately, the financial gap between the Vikings and Darnold could determine whether or not this deal gets done. Both sides have their reasons for wanting to come to an agreement, but with the current disparity in expectations, it may take some time before a deal is finalized—or if one is finalized at all. For now, the Vikings will continue to monitor the situation and see if they can find a way to bridge the gap with Darnold or explore other options.