Sam Darnold’s future outlook has changed dramatically after two tough performances in high-pressure games that ended the Minnesota Vikings’ season, according to Troy Aikman, who shared his thoughts on Monday night.
Darnold completed 25 of 40 passes for 245 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while being sacked a playoff-record nine times in the Vikings’ 27-9 wild-card loss to the Rams.
The former NFL star predicted that the narrative surrounding Darnold would shift after his disappointing performances in the final two games of the regular season—against the Lions in Week 18, where the Vikings had a chance to secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and against the Rams in the playoffs.
It comes at a pivotal time for Darnold, who is set to enter free agency after signing a one-year, $10 million deal with Minnesota in the offseason.
“That conversation’s a different conversation today than it was two weeks ago,” Aikman said during the ESPN broadcast of Monday night’s game.
Aikman continued by saying, “I know they really like J.J. McCarthy. He’ll be back and he’ll be healthy. What that looks like for Sam … and he’s had a great year. I mean, there’s no denying that. He did a lot of good things for this organization, obviously a big part, the quarterback always is, if you’re going to go and win 14 games.
He played at a really high level. It’s just, last week and this week will leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth going into this offseason.”
There had been talks about whether Darnold might receive a large contract from the Vikings this season, with some considering the possibility of trading away McCarthy, who missed the season with a torn meniscus after being drafted No. 10 in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Darnold, 27, appeared to have found his stride after being drafted third overall by the Jets in 2018. He had struggled through four seasons with the Jets and two years with the Panthers before getting a fresh start as the backup to Brock Purdy with the 49ers in 2023.
Darnold made the most of his chance when McCarthy was injured in preseason. He threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, helping the Vikings finish with a 14-3 regular season record.
However, the last two performances, along with his inconsistent past, will likely weigh heavily on the minds of the Vikings and any other team considering making Darnold their franchise quarterback with a potentially large contract this offseason.
“These last two weeks will have a big impact on his future,” Aikman said. “Not only for the Minnesota Vikings, but a big impact on what that may look like for [Darnold] going to another team.
“Is there going to be the big payout that looked inevitable a few weeks ago, may not look as big as what Sam or others thought. These are the games that matter.”
