Sam Darnold was previously expected to receive a new contract worth more than Baker Mayfield's $100 million, three-year deal in Tampa Bay - but that now seems unlikely

Since leaving Carolina following their unsuccessful tenures in Charlotte, Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield both revived their careers. At Minnesota, Darnold became a Pro Bowler and went 14-3 in 2024. At Tampa Bay,

Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield were supposed to be franchise saviors for the Jets and Browns, respectively, but after a stint together in Carolina, they've had career revivals with new teams.

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold and Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield have revived NFL careers that were once in jeopardy.

Several NFL teams need a franchise quarterback and Darnold proved he can be that guy in Minnesota, becoming the first quarterback to record 14 wins in his first season with a team. He’s set to become a sought-after free agent unless the Vikings place a franchise tag on him.

Despite leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-win season for the first time since the turn of the century, quarterback Sam Darnold is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. And it's long been believed he doesn't fit into the team's long-term plans.

Can Minnesota and its fan base forget the quarterback's back-to-back clunkers for a 2025 reunion? Or is it J.J. McCarthy time?