Ex-NFL star Shannon Sharpe doesn't want Vikings to sign Sam Darnold again
Shannon Sharpe's recent comments on ESPN's "First Take" center on protecting the Minnesota Vikings' investment in J.J. McCarthy.
Sharpe, a legendary NFL tight end with three Super Bowl championships and eight Pro Bowl selections, brings a deep insider perspective to the quarterback conversation.
The comments emerged during a segment on Monday's episode where Sharpe directly challenged the notion of keeping Sam Darnold beyond the 2024 season.
"No, you just invested a top 10 pick at J.J. McCarthy," Sharpe said. "There's no guarantee. If J.J. McCarthy hadn't got hurt, Sam Darnold wouldn't even see the field. Absolutely not. You believe Sam Darnold was the guy of the future. That's why you drafted him."
Darnold, who signed a modest one-year $10 million deal, has been excellent this season. He has guided the team to an 11-3 record, throwing for 3,299 yards with 28 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions. He is projected to finish the campaign with 4,314 yards and 36 TDs — numbers that would include him in rare company in Vikings history.
McCarthy's potential vs. Sam Darnold's performance
McCarthy's situation adds another layer of complexity to the Vikings' QB dilemma. The 10th overall pick suffered a knee injury in August, effectively erasing his rookie year. His contract remains team-friendly, with a total guaranteed value of $21.85 million and an average annual value of less than $5.5 million.
Sam Darnold's breakout has sent ripples through the NFL's QB evaluation ecosystem. Sports executives are already speculating on his next contract, with estimates ranging from a three-year $110 million deal to potential annual earnings of $40 million. This represents a dramatic turnaround for a QB many had written off as a potential bust.
The Vikings find themselves at a strategic crossroads. With a projected $76 million in cap space, they could potentially re-sign Darnold, commit to McCarthy or explore alternative QB options. The recent signing of Daniel Jones to the practice squad suggests that the team is keeping its options open and preparing for multiple scenarios.
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell and his coaching staff face a decision that could define the franchise's trajectory. Darnold has not just performed well; he has also developed remarkable chemistry with key offensive weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson