Vikings OC gives hint about future of Sam Darnold

Quarterback Sam Darnold officially became the Minnesota Vikings' full-time starter for 2024 after rookie J.J. McCarthy required a complete meniscus repair in August and has since guided the club to an 11-2 record. 

Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips spoke with reporters on Tuesday and indicated the club is preparing for a future that won't include Darnold on the roster. 

"I think we all know that Sam is going to be a sought-after type of guy from wherever that may be," Phillips said about the upcoming offseason, as shared by Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. "Whatever his future ends up being, I know all of us in this building are going to be happy for him no matter where that ends up being. I don’t think he has to worry about that anymore."

Darnold, 27, signed a one-year deal with Minnesota back in March before the club made McCarthy the 10th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. According to Pro Football Reference, Darnold heads into Week 15 ranked third in the league among qualified players with a 108.1 passer rating, 15th with a 59.0 adjusted QBR, sixth with 3,299 passing yards and tied for third with 28 touchdowns through the air for the season. 

Some have suggested the Vikings could retain Darnold's rights for 2025 via the franchise tag, while others believe Minnesota should commit to him via a new deal and then make McCarthy available to other clubs before next year's draft. Phillips noted that Darnold currently is doing well to focus on what's directly in front of him as the Vikings pursue more than just a trip to the playoffs. 

"Whether there’s been praise -- which there has been a lot for him this year -- he hasn’t let that affect him, and when games don’t go necessarily how we want to or he wants to, he hasn’t let that affect him either," Phillips added about Darnold. "He’s been consistent in his demeanor, in his approach, in his work ethic, and that’s where we want to be." 

The Vikings next host the 4-9 Chicago Bears this coming Monday night. As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Minnesota as a 6.5-point favorite for that contest.