Sam Darnold's contract details: salary and years left with the Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have gotten off to a great start to the season. After failing to even make the playoffs last year, they are at a 5-1 record heading into Week 8, with their only loss coming last week to NFC North rivals, the Detroit Lions.

Much of the credit for their success has to be given to quarterback Sam Darnold. Originally a battle between Darnold and rookie first-rounder J.J. McCarthy, the starting job was easily given to Darnold when McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury before the season even started.

In spite of the doubters, Darnold has proven to be a reliable quarterback although his last three games weren’t quite the historic feats his first three were.

But even in their loss to the Lions, Darnold performed well, completing 22 of 27 passes for 259 yards, plus one touchdown and one interception. He’ll definitely be tested on a short week this week as they face the Los Angeles Rams tonight for Thursday Night Football.

As for his future with the Vikings, here’s where his contract stands now.

Sam Darnold’s contract with the Vikings

In March of 2024, Sam Darnold signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Vikings, including a $6.25 million signing bonus and $8.75 million guaranteed at signing.

For comparison, when Darnold was taken No. 3 overall by the New York Jets in 2018, he was given a four-year, $30.25 million deal (fully guaranteed) for an average annual salary of $7.56 million. In 2023, he signed a one-year, $4.5 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers with $3.5 million guaranteed. So his salary with the Vikings is quite the raise.

Of course, his current contract means he‘s up for either free agency or an extension at the end of this season. While McCarthy is expected to be back and ready to play by the 2025 season, it‘s still very possible the Vikings will re-sign Darnold to lead the way for McCarthy while he gets himself fully prepared.

Darnold certainly won‘t be the bargain price he was this year, but he won’t be top market price either, and the Vikings do have cap space while McCarthy is still on his rookie contract. Minnesota would likely need to give Darnold at least a three-year deal with a significant raise and guaranteed money if they want him to stay past this season. If not, there will be plenty of interested teams next season.