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
According to a report, two new front-runners have emerged to sign Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold in free agency.
In his breakdown of the top 50 free agents available this offseason, ESPN's Matt Bowen ranks Darnold at No. 6, some 26 spots ahead of the next QB on the list (Pittsburgh's Justin Fields, which underscores just how barren this market is under center). He then estimates that Darnold could receive something in the nine figures:
Baker Mayfield couldn't beat Jayden Daniels in the NFC Wild Card Round, but he is replacing the Washington Commanders quarterback in the Pro Bowl. Josh
The Titans and Browns are best positioned for Sanders and Ward given that they hold the draft’s No. 1 and No. 2 picks, respectively. But the Raiders are in an equally dire situation to the Giants, and the Jets, Steelers, Colts and Saints all could make big changes, too.
Darnold's dominance during Thursday's exhibition left Minnesota's fanbase wondering what could have been this postseason.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield made Tampa Bay Buccaneers history this week and accomplished something not even fellow gunslinger Tom Brady did during his three seasons with the franchise. Mayfield was named to his second Pro Bowl on Tuesday,
It'll be no different with Sam Darnold, the Vikings' Pro Bowl quarterback who is arguably the most important player set to hit free agency this year. Minnesota may genuinely have interest in keeping him around,
Tampa Bay's representation at the 2025 Pro Bowl Games has doubled to four in the last two days, as QB Baker Mayfield was named to the NFC roster to replace an injured Jayden Daniels
Mayfield, previously named a first alternate, joins Jared Goff (Detroit Lions) and Sam Darnold (Minnesota Vikings) as the NFC quarterbacks. Mike Evans from the Bucs was recently added to the roster after CeeDee Lamb's injury, while teammates Vita Vea and Tristan Wirfs already selected.