Sam Darnold's Future with Vikings Uncertain

Sam Darnold's future with the Minnesota Vikings is under scrutiny following disappointing performances in crucial playoff games, raising questions about his contract value as he heads into free agency. Despite leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record and achieving career highs in key metrics, his struggles in the final two matches, where he completed just 53.1% of his passes and faced significant sacks, have tarnished his market appeal. Executives believe Darnold could still command around $30 million annually, but the Vikings face a dilemma over potentially franchise-tagging him at a cost of over $40 million. The Saints are identified as a possible landing spot for Darnold, although their cap situation complicates any potential deal. Former NFL player Robert Griffin III suggests Darnold's overall season performance may still aid him in free agency despite recent setbacks. Ultimately, the Vikings may prioritize developing J.J. McCarthy, their first-round pick, over retaining Darnold at a high price.