Struggling AFC Squad Predicted to Attempt Steal of Vikings QB Sam Darnold

It is unclear what the Minnesota Vikings ' plans will be regarding the rare good kind of quarterback controversy between veteran Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy if and when it plays out next spring.

Darnold has been a delightful surprise for the Vikings (3-0), leading them to victories over the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans -- two teams that won playoff games last year -- despite having a banged up group of pass catchers since Week 1.

It has only been three games, but already Darnold is leading the NFL with 8 TD passes and has a completion rate pushing 70%. Forget for a moment that noted offensive guru and QB whisperer Kevin O'Connell is his head coach -- Darnold's stock is at an all-time high since the New York Jets drafted him No. 3 overall back in 2018.

That doesn't guarantee Darnold will continue to play this well over the course of the entire season, but he's a legitimate early MVP candidate with the likes of Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and perhaps a couple of other names from across the league.

Given the importance of the position and the exorbitant amount of money teams spend on it annually, often to their detriment with regards to an inferior talent, Darnold is going to have suitors if he hits free agency next March.

Minnesota signed its starting QB to a one-year deal worth $10 million this offseason, which means Darnold will be a free agent less than six months from now unless the Vikings extend him before then. If they don't, Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department predicted on Monday, September 23, that the Tennessee Titans will come knocking.

"Maybe Will Levis proves he deserves another shot next season. Maybe he doesn't. Either way, the Titans should be prepared to at least add a veteran who could compete for the job. Sam Darnold is on pace to become the latest signal-caller to enjoy a post-hype breakout as a serviceable starter," B/R wrote . "If the Vikings want to transition to J.J. McCarthy next season, then Darnold could be a surprisingly in-demand free agent."

There is little reason that O'Connell shouldn't be confident in his ability to develop McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 draft, particularly after he gets a full year to study the system from the sidelines absent the pressure of performing as a rookie.

Minnesota must be careful not to overpay Darnold across too many years and create another Kirk Cousins situation, in which the team becomes good but not great, and risk alienating its young draft pick.

On the other hand, if Darnold continues to play at such a high level, the Vikings may have little choice but to pony up and bring him back in 2025 and beyond -- at which point the McCarthy situation would become vastly more complicated.