NFL insider reveals surprising contract projection for Sam Darnold despite late-season stumble

Sam Darnold’s Free Agency Jackpot in Jeopardy? Late-Season Collapse Raises Questions

Sam Darnold revitalized his career in Minnesota, delivering a Pro Bowl season and leading the Vikings to a 14-2 record in 2024. But after two brutal performances to close out the season, is his expected free agency payday now in question?

Darnold posted career highs in both touchdowns (35) and passing yards (4,153) through the first 16 games of the season, making him one of the top quarterbacks on the market. But when it mattered most, the veteran quarterback struggled—and badly.

Darnold’s Collapse in Crunch Time

With the No. 1 seed in the NFC on the line in Week 18, Darnold had the biggest game of his career against the Detroit Lions—and fell flat. The Vikings were blown out 31-9, as Darnold completed just 18 of 41 passes for 166 yards, no touchdowns, and a passer rating of 55.5.

The nightmare continued in the Wild Card Round against the Los Angeles Rams, where he was sacked nine times and finished with 245 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a 27-9 playoff loss.

Now, with free agency looming, one top NFL insider has predicted what Darnold’s next contract could look like—and the number is massive.

$120 Million for Darnold? ESPN Insider Predicts Major Payday

Despite the late-season struggles, ESPN’s Dan Graziano expects Darnold to land a three-year, $120 million deal with $75 million guaranteed in free agency. That contract would place him 15th among quarterbacks in average annual salary.

The Vikings could use the franchise tag (estimated at $40 million) to keep or even trade him, but Graziano notes that the market will likely price him out of Minnesota’s reach.

“The Raiders, Giants, Jets, Steelers, Browns, Titans, and Saints are among the teams that either will or could find themselves looking for a new quarterback this offseason,” Graziano reported.

Will the Vikings Let Him Walk?

Minnesota still has interest in bringing Darnold back, but they also invested in J.J. McCarthy with their first-round pick in 2024. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season after knee surgery, but his presence complicates any long-term commitment to Darnold.

Graziano speculates that Darnold’s eventual contract could resemble Baker Mayfield’s three-year, $100 million deal with Tampa Bay.

With multiple QB-needy teams in the market, Darnold is expected to have plenty of suitors—but his ugly finish to 2024 could leave some front offices second-guessing his true value.

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