Sam Darnold doesn't have a safety blanket, at least not yet.
His first season in Minnesota was a success, as he led the Vikings with a 10-2 record entering Week 14. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. On Sunday, Darnold and team leaders announced that they have “not had any discussions regarding a long-term contract.”
Darnold, 27, joined the Vikings on a one-year, $10 million contract in the offseason after Kirk Cousins left in free agency.
He is scheduled to become a free agent in 2025.
Before heading to Minnesota, Darnold, the Jets' No. 3 overall pick in 2018, served as Brock Purdy's backup in San Francisco last year. He also spent time in Carolina in 2021 after being traded to the Jets.
Darnold was named the Vikings' starting quarterback after rookie JJ McCarthy underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee in August.
Minnesota selected the former Michigan quarterback with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Darnold is having a career season thus far, ranking fourth in the league with 23 touchdown passes, fifth in yards per attempt (8.2) and 10th in total passing yards (2,952).
Before McCarthy's injury, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that based on what the national championship quarterback showed in training camp, Minnesota had “our young franchise quarterback in the building.” I believe that,” he commented.
The Vikings, currently second in the NFC North, will welcome back Cousins on Sunday, who agreed to a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons (6-6) in March.
