Shannon Sharpe, against general consensus, feels Vikings shouldn’t sign Sam Darnold to a long-term deal
Shannon Sharpe firmly advised the Vikings not to extend Sam Darnold beyond the 2024 campaign, and instead focus on rookie JJ McCarthy.
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Sam Darnold and Shannon Sharpe (Via CBS Sports/Mediaite)
As the regular NFL season is coming close, there have been a lot of chatters about the future of Sam Darnold in Minnesota since he enters free agency next year. While many believe the franchise shouldn’t let the quarterback go after the 11-2 success this season, others caution against putting too much faith in Darnold. Shannon Sharpe appears to align with the latter perspective.
After losing Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons, the Minnesota Vikings drafted JJ McCarthy to be a franchise quarterback. But in the safe choice, they acquired Darnold in a one-year deal and it has proven to be exactly what they needed as they surged to an impressive record while awaiting to secure a playoff berth.
On the recent episode of ESPN’s First Take, the sports analyst went into the discussion on whether the Vikings star quarterback deserves to receive a long-term extension from the Vikings or not. Sharpe firmly advised the Vikings not to extend Darnold beyond the 2024 campaign.
You just invested a top-ten pick in J.J. McCarthy. There’s no guarantee…Quarterback is the only position that they’ll pay you based on potential or if you have one good year. Every other position you got to put multiple years together in order to get paid. Ja’Marr Chase put together three, four years. They won’t pay him.
Shannon Sharpe said
Sharpe argued that the Vikings should focus on the development of McCarthy, whom they drafted for the very purpose of being the franchise quarterback. After he sustained a knee injury, Darnold’s status among the starting lineups became confirmed for the remaining season.
Sam Darnold’s free agency value soars despite uncertain future with Vikings
Even if Darnold’s success this season did not benefit him in Minnesota, his valuation in the free agency market is expected to skyrocket. With discussions going around, an NFL team executive predicted that Darnold may earn a whopping three-year deal worth $110 million, including at least $40 million.
You drafted J.J. McCarthy for a reason. If J.J. McCarthy hadn’t got hurt, Sam Darnold wouldn’t even see the field so absolutely not.
Shannon harpe further advised the team to take care of the rookie
Darnold’s status in Minnesota became more uncertain when they acquired Daniel Jones after he was released by the New York Giants last month.
They already have a promising starter in McCarthy and focusing on him since this early may also lead the Vikings to become an NFL dynasty like the Kansas City Chiefs.
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Pratyusha Srivastava
(2164 Articles Published)