Sam Darnold

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Sam Darnold and the Vikings “have not had any discussions regarding a long-term contract.”

Darnold signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Vikings in the offseason. The Vikings went on to take J.J. McCarthy in the first round, making Darnold a bridge quarterback. McCarthy suffered a season-ending injury in August and Darnold has played remarkably well as the starter, but the Vikings aren’t sold just yet. An early exit in the playoffs could be all they need to move on from Darnold in favor of the younger, higher-upside McCarthy. However, at 10-2, the Vikings are still fighting for a first-round bye and could at least be favored in the Wild Card Round. A deep playoff run would make it nearly impossible to move on from Darnold, even with a first-round pick waiting in the wings.