It’s only five games but Sam Darnold has become one of the best storylines in the NFL this season.
After failed stints as a starter with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, Darnold has led the Minnesota Vikings to a 5-0 record and his early performance could help him land a massive contract.
Spotrac has included Darnold in their latest free agent projections and believes the 26-year-old could land a four-year contract worth $126.8 million – an average value of $31.7 million – when he becomes a free agent next March.
Related: 3 concerns for the Vikings heading into the bye week
Over the Cap also believes Darnold is in line to get paid next year, placing his 2024 valuation at $27.5 million.
It’s proof that life comes at you fast as a quarterback in the NFL. It wasn’t long ago that Darnold was one of the biggest busts in NFL history after he was selected with the third overall pick in the 2018 draft.
After failing to live up to the expectations thanks to poor infrastructures with the Jets and Panthers, Darnold spent the 2023 season as Brock Purdy’s backup with the San Francisco 49ers and many were surprised when the Vikings signed Darnold to a one-year, $10 million contract hours after Kirk Cousins agreed to sign with the Atlanta Falcons last March.