A as soon as unlikely hero’s story continues to unfold with the Minnesota Vikings.
Regardless of predictions of an inevitable decline, Sam Darnold’s outstanding journey retains defying expectations.
Because the crew prepares for its wild-card sport towards the Los Angeles Rams, they’re nonetheless very a lot a menace of their surprising playoff go to.
Nevertheless, Darnold’s current efficiency has raised some eyebrows.
In an important sport towards the Detroit Lions, he accomplished 18 of 41 passes for 166 yards because the Vikings absorbed a 31-9 loss.
That defeat didn’t simply price them the NFC North crown, it squandered their probability on the No. 1 seed.
FOX Sports activities host Nick Wright sees Darnold going through a pivotal second, along with his playoff efficiency probably reshaping his future.
“What’s he acquired to achieve? Ah, most likely 100 million bucks. Sam Darnold, in the event that they win this weekend or Monday evening towards the Rams, then we’re like, ‘Okay, 14 wins. Unbelievable numbers.’ … In the event that they win, on the very least, he will get franchise tagged subsequent 12 months. That’s $42 million for a participant that has by no means gotten a long-term contract,” Wright mentioned on “First Issues First.”
“Sam Darnold. What’s he acquired to achieve? In all probability $100M.”@getnickwright breaks down who has probably the most to achieve in Wild Card Weekend: pic.twitter.com/y6qJHoUQRb
— First Issues First (@FTFonFS1) January 10, 2025
Wright’s evaluation goes deeper, suggesting a playoff victory might push Darnold’s market worth into nine-figure territory.
There’s additionally the chance the upcoming free agent might obtain a franchise tag value $42 million subsequent season if the Vikings need to safe his companies.
A postseason win, Wright argues, would cement Darnold’s place because the franchise’s future, lastly giving him the job safety and substantial payday that’s eluded him all through his profession.
Darnold’s transformation has been outstanding, from signing a modest one-year deal to turning into the Vikings’ driving power.
When he arrived, the expectation was a quarterback competitors with rookie J.J. McCarthy following Kirk Cousins’ departure.
As a substitute, Darnold engineered 14 wins and reshaped each his narrative and the Vikings’ path.
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