Sam Darnold has completely turned his career around in Minnesota. Yes, the Vikings have one of the best receiving corps and a good TE. But it's not like you could just plug in any QB and it will be great.
Sam Darnold signed a 1 year deal worth $10m is what google says. So he will be a free agent.
Should they use the franchise tag on him and try to trade him for a 1st? Or sign him to a contract and make him their starter since he played so well?
What to do with JJ McCarthy, if they go with Sam Darnold, since they drafted him so high? Sam Darnold wouldn't be in this position if it weren't for that injury.
It's a somewhat unusual situation and it's a Chiefs-less weekend so if you are the GM of the Vikings, what do you do? [Reply]
From an outsider's perspective, it depends how far they go in the playoffs. If they make it to the SB you almost have to give Darnold another run. Anything less than that I'd say they go with JJ.
But O'Connell is a really good coach and he sees them both all the time, so I'm sure he knows which one has the higher ceiling. [Reply]
I don't really think it is the QB that is good - it is the OConnell system. The guy looks to be the next big thing in coaching. You don't suddenly get elite at 27. Sure maybe he's improved but if you can make Darnold look like this maybe you can get McCarthy to look even better. [Reply]
Originally Posted by JohnnyHammersticks:
From an outsider's perspective, it depends how far they go in the playoffs. If they make it to the SB you almost have to give Darnold another run. Anything less than that I'd say they go with JJ.
But O'Connell is a really good coach and he sees them both all the time, so I'm sure he knows which one has the higher ceiling.
True.
There’s also the cap factor. If he thinks JJ can perform similarly, while under a rookie contract and you can get a 1 for Darnold…that option has to be on the table. [Reply]
I sign Darnold to a three or your year deal. JJ is cheap and I’ve already expended the draft capitol. If someone wants to acquire him Id listen. Darnold has performed better this season than Cousins or any QB is recent memory has in MN. I keep it going. [Reply]
Originally Posted by ForeverIowan:
Darnold is 27 years old. Not 37 years old like Aaron Rodgers was when they drafted Love.
Is Darnold your guy or not? If so, pay him, trade JJ and use the 1st rounder to build around Darnold. A stud 1st round running back would look pretty damn good with Jefferson, Addison and Hockenson.
Haven't we proved multiple times over that you don't need to draft a stud RB in the first round(s)?
I just don't think they have to be in a hurry to trade McCarthy. They can give Darnold a Geno/Baker type deal that secures quality QB play for a season or two, and let McCarthy do a Montana/Young or Favre/Rodgers/Love type of deal. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Megatron96:
Haven't we proved multiple times over that you don't need to draft a stud RB in the first round(s)?
I just don't think they have to be in a hurry to trade McCarthy. They can give Darnold a Geno/Baker type deal that secures quality QB play for a season or two, and let McCarthy do a Montana/Young or Favre/Rodgers/Love type of deal.
Sure seems to be a bit of a resurgence at the running back position IMO. An elite talent at running back like a Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson etc to pair with Jefferson, Addison and Hockenson would be pretty damn ridiculous. Not saying there is that caliber of back in the draft. If I was a Vikings fan, I just don't think I'd want a 1st round draft pick sitting on the bench in prime Justin Jefferson years. Go after it! [Reply]
Originally Posted by Megatron96:
Haven't we proved multiple times over that you don't need to draft a stud RB in the first round(s)?
I just don't think they have to be in a hurry to trade McCarthy. They can give Darnold a Geno/Baker type deal that secures quality QB play for a season or two, and let McCarthy do a Montana/Young or Favre/Rodgers/Love type of deal.
Darnold is going to sign a Geno/Baker deal for a season??? [Reply]