Sam Darnold of the Vikings is predicted to sign a “preposterous” free agency contract.

The NFL free agency period is one of the most unpredictable and exciting times of the year. Teams are looking to fill gaps in their roster, add high-profile talent, and make moves that will put them in contention for a Super Bowl. For players, it’s an opportunity to find new homes, cash in on their skills, or take advantage of a favorable market. One of the more intriguing and somewhat surprising predictions in recent years has been the idea that Sam Darnold, former quarterback of the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, could be on the verge of signing a “preposterous” contract with the Minnesota Vikings.

While this might seem like an odd prediction for a player who has had his share of ups and downs in the NFL, it also highlights the constantly evolving quarterback market and the unpredictability of the league. Darnold, once hailed as the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has had a tumultuous career, but his potential remains tantalizing for teams in need of a quarterback who can develop into a starter or at least serve as a strong backup option.

But what exactly makes this prediction of a “preposterous” contract so intriguing? Could Darnold’s free agency contract really be as absurd as some are speculating? In this article, we will break down why the Vikings are reportedly interested in Darnold, what his value is in the current quarterback market, and the implications of such a massive contract if it materializes.

Sam Darnold’s NFL Journey So Far: A Roller Coaster Career

Sam Darnold’s career trajectory has been anything but predictable. Drafted by the New York Jets with the third overall pick in 2018, expectations were high for the young quarterback. Many saw him as the future of the franchise, the player who could finally lead the Jets out of their quarterback purgatory. Darnold’s early career, however, was marred by inconsistency, poor surrounding talent, and a lack of stability within the organization.

In his three years with the Jets, Darnold showed flashes of potential, but his performance was often undermined by injuries, turnover issues, and a lack of support from his coaching staff. While he had moments where he looked like a franchise quarterback, the Jets ultimately decided to move on, selecting Zach Wilson with the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Darnold’s next stop was with the Carolina Panthers. In 2021, the Panthers acquired him in a trade with the Jets, hoping that a change of scenery would help Darnold realize his potential. His first few games with Carolina were promising, and there was renewed optimism that he could be the quarterback the Panthers had been searching for. However, much like his tenure with the Jets, Darnold struggled with consistency, throwing interceptions, and failing to consistently lead the team to victory.

Despite his struggles, Darnold remained a player with undeniable raw talent and potential. His strong arm, mobility, and ability to make all the throws on the field still make him an intriguing prospect. However, the question that looms over Darnold’s career is whether he can finally put everything together and become a reliable starter in the NFL, or if he is destined to be a journeyman quarterback who bounces from team to team.

The Vikings’ Interest in Sam Darnold: A Perfect Fit or a Risky Move?

The Minnesota Vikings, who have consistently been in the playoff hunt but have struggled to make a deep run in the postseason, could be a surprising landing spot for Darnold. The Vikings are led by head coach Kevin O’Connell, who is known for his offensive acumen and ability to develop quarterbacks. The Vikings have a strong roster, but their quarterback situation is in a state of flux. Kirk Cousins, the current starting quarterback, is entering the latter stages of his career, and while he has been solid for Minnesota, his inability to take the team to a Super Bowl has raised questions about his long-term future with the franchise.

Cousins is under contract through 2025, but the Vikings have an out in his contract after the 2024 season, which makes his future uncertain. The team has also been linked to quarterback prospects in the draft and rumored to be evaluating free-agent quarterbacks. Enter Sam Darnold, a quarterback with upside but who has yet to prove he can be a consistent starter.

From the Vikings’ perspective, signing Darnold to a “preposterous” contract may be seen as a risk worth taking. On the one hand, Darnold still possesses all of the tools that made him a top pick in the draft: a strong arm, athleticism, and the ability to make off-platform throws. The Vikings could view him as a high-risk, high-reward player who might thrive in an offensive system with more structure and better weapons than he had in New York or Carolina. O’Connell’s offensive scheme could help Darnold take his game to the next level, and the Vikings might believe that with the right coaching, he can be a solid starter in the NFL.

However, the question remains: Does Darnold deserve a “preposterous” contract based on his past performance? While there is certainly potential, Darnold has yet to prove he can consistently perform at a high level. His turnover issues and lack of leadership in big moments are red flags. The Vikings would be gambling on his development, hoping that he can turn things around and become the quarterback they need to challenge for a Super Bowl.

Why Would a “Preposterous” Contract Be Justified?

The idea of Darnold signing a “preposterous” contract may seem absurd at first glance, especially considering his inconsistent career. However, in the ever-changing landscape of the NFL, there are a few reasons why such a deal might make sense for both Darnold and the Vikings.

1. The Quarterback Market is Soaring

One of the most significant factors driving up quarterback contracts is the inflation of salaries across the league. With the NFL salary cap increasing each year, teams are willing to pay higher amounts for quarterbacks, even those who have not yet proven themselves as elite starters. Recent contracts for quarterbacks like Kyler Murray, Daniel Jones, and Derek Carr have shown that teams are willing to pay substantial amounts for players who may not be at the top of the league, but who have potential and a good fit within a system.

The Vikings may view Darnold as a high-upside player, and with quarterbacks in high demand, it’s possible they could be willing to offer him a deal that reflects his potential rather than his past performance. The market for quarterbacks is at an all-time high, and if teams believe a player like Darnold can be developed, they may be willing to take a chance on him, even if it comes at a steep price.

2. The NFL’s Desire for Young, Cheap Backup Quarterbacks

Another factor contributing to the rising value of quarterbacks like Darnold is the league’s increasing focus on finding young backup quarterbacks who can step into the starting role if necessary. Teams are no longer just looking for traditional backup quarterbacks; they are looking for players who have starting potential and could thrive if given the opportunity. Given that Darnold is still only 26 years old and has starting experience in the league, he could be seen as a valuable asset as both a backup and a potential starter.

A “preposterous” contract in this context could reflect the Vikings’ belief that Darnold has the potential to eventually take over as the starting quarterback if Cousins is not re-signed or if his play declines in the coming seasons. This contract could also serve as an investment in Darnold’s future development, with the Vikings betting that his upside is worth the financial commitment.

3. The Risk of Losing Him to Another Team

Lastly, another reason why the Vikings might offer Darnold a lucrative contract is the risk of another team swooping in and signing him. The quarterback market is competitive, and with several teams around the league in need of a starting quarterback, Darnold could become a hot commodity. By offering him a “preposterous” contract, the Vikings could ensure they lock him in before another team has the chance to make a big offer.

What Would a “Preposterous” Contract Look Like?

If the Vikings are truly considering offering Darnold a contract that some consider “preposterous,” it would likely be a multi-year deal with significant guaranteed money. The contract would likely include incentives based on performance, such as a starting role or the ability to reach certain milestones (e.g., passing yards, touchdowns, and wins). The Vikings could also structure the deal to include a large signing bonus, giving Darnold financial security up front, while the remainder of the contract could be based on team options and performance-based incentives.

Ultimately, the contract would likely fall somewhere in the middle range for quarterbacks—still significantly higher than a typical backup, but not quite in the territory of elite starters like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Lamar Jackson.