Sam Darnold’s offseason outlook will be completely different after back-to-back brutal performances in high-pressure situations ended the Vikings’ season with a dud, Troy Aikman said Monday night.
Darnold completed 25 of 40 passes for 245 yards, a touchdown and an interception while earning a playoff record nine sacks in the 27-9 loss to the Rams.
The former NFL great predicted the conversation around Darnold would completely change after 16 games of redemption were marred by a dismal performance against the Lions in Week 18 – with a chance to clinch the No. 1 seed No. 1 in the NFC – and the Rams.
This comes as Darnold enters free agency after signing a one-year, $10 million contract with Minnesota during the offseason.
“This conversation is different today than it was two weeks ago,” Aikman said during the ESPN broadcast of Monday night’s playoff game.
“I know they really like JJ McCarthy. He will come back and he will be healthy. What it looks like for Sam…and he’s had a great year. I mean, there’s no denying it. He’s done a lot of good things for this organization, obviously an important role, quarterback always is, if you want to win 14 games. He played at a very high level. It’s just that last week and this week will leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouths heading into this offseason.
There has been talk about whether Darnold would get a massive deal from the Vikings this season with the possibility of trading McCarthy, who missed the season with a torn meniscus after being selected No. 10 in the draft. NFL in 2024.
Darnold, 27, appears to have finally found the formula that eluded him after the Jets selected him with the No. 3 pick in 2018. He struggled for four years with the Jets and two seasons with the Panthers before a reset season with the 49ers. as Brock Purdy’s replacement in 2023.
Darnold took advantage of his opportunity when McCarthy was injured in the preseason and threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns as the Vikings went 14-3 in the regular season.
However, these last two performances – as well as this worrying record – will be on the minds of the Vikings and any other team considering signing Darnold as a franchise quarterback for potentially nine figures this offseason.
“These last two weeks will have a big impact on his future,” Aikman said. “Not just for the Minnesota Vikings, but it has a big impact on what it might look like for (Darnold) to join another team.
“Will there be a big payout that seemed inevitable a few weeks ago, but perhaps doesn’t seem as big as Sam or others thought? It’s the games that count.