It’s locker cleanout day for the Minnesota Vikings, a day filled with mixed emotions as players packed up their gear and faced reporters after a heartbreaking playoff exit in Arizona. While the players collected their personal items, Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings’ head coach, was quietly contemplating the future in his office, looking at a depth chart with Sam Darnold as QB1 and J.J. McCarthy as QB2. Just as he considered tossing Darnold’s nameplate, a loud voice interrupted his thoughts.
“Who’s ready for Sammy Chainz!?”
To O’Connell’s surprise, there stood Darnold, shirtless with a massive chain around his neck reading “Sammy Time.” It was only Tuesday afternoon, but the energy was undeniable. O’Connell had to respect the attempt, even if it was a bit unexpected.
The Dilemma: Is Darnold Worth the Big Bucks Like Cousins?
Fast forward a year, and the Vikings face a similar quarterback situation. They need a leader under center but are hesitant to pay Kirk Cousins the hefty sum the Atlanta Falcons gave him. After leading the Vikings to a stellar 14-3 record, Darnold has a legitimate case for asking for a similar contract.
Last year, Cousins made headlines for his comments during locker cleanout: “It’s not about the dollars. It’s what the dollars represent.” For Cousins, his contract was a symbol of his desire to take control of the franchise. He had delivered consistent numbers, surpassing 4,000 yards four times and hitting 30 touchdowns three times. However, there was a catch — Cousins, despite being a stable force for Minnesota, had limited postseason success, with only one playoff win in nine years.
Cousins vs. Darnold: What’s the Difference?
At the time, O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah valued Cousins as a leader, and O’Connell wanted him to stay. But with Cousins demanding a significant payday, Adofo-Mensah, aiming to build a competitive roster, was wary of overspending. When Cousins ultimately signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons, Minnesota pivoted, using that money to bring in players like Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Blake Cashman, who helped turn the Vikings’ fortunes around.
Enter Sam Darnold in 2024. After a stellar season where he threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, Darnold’s value soared to $54.7 million before a dip in the final two games. Like Cousins, Darnold hit the key marks — 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns — but doesn’t have the same long history of success. Unlike Cousins, however, Darnold is younger, healthier, and not yet in his mid-30s. At 28, he brings a fresh dynamic, one that offers hope for a long-term future.
What About McCarthy?
The Vikings also have J.J. McCarthy, their potential future QB, but his path is unclear after a season-ending knee injury and subsequent surgery. While McCarthy has returned to training, the question remains: Can he fulfill the promise? Could he become the Vikings’ next Christian Ponder? The unknowns surrounding McCarthy could push the Vikings to lean toward Darnold, even though McCarthy could be the safer bet in the long run.
Darnold’s Leverage and the Franchise Tag
Darnold’s potential value and leverage come into play as the Vikings approach a decision. Spotrac projects Darnold’s market value at around $40.1 million for next season, almost identical to the $41.3 million franchise tag figure projected by Over The Cap. While retaining Darnold would significantly reduce Minnesota’s cap space for 2025, it would still leave them with flexibility for future seasons.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero spoke on the dynamics of the franchise tag, explaining how it could give both the Vikings and Darnold leverage. If the franchise tag were applied, it would set a market baseline for Darnold, ensuring he gets top-tier money even if a long-term deal is delayed. This puts the Vikings in a position where they can use the tag for leverage without necessarily locking in Darnold for a long-term deal.
The Vikings’ Tough Decision Ahead
The Vikings are in a tricky spot. On one hand, Darnold has shown potential and could be the quarterback of the future, but his lack of a proven long-term track record makes him a gamble. On the other, McCarthy’s status is uncertain, leaving the Vikings wondering if they can rely on him to take over in the near future. With the franchise tag in play, Minnesota has options, but the situation will be far from straightforward.
It’s clear: whether it’s Darnold or McCarthy, the Vikings have a crucial decision to make in the coming months, and the pressure is on the front office to get it right.
