<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3LAbf1_0vll7Cp600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3LAbf1_0vll7Cp600" width="788" height="444" ><figcaption>Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>Credit to the GM for the great phrase. Before an extension got done with Justin Jefferson, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah referred to needing to reach an agreement with the WR1 as a “champagne problem.” Or, put differently, an issue that’s also a tremendous luxury.As of right now, the Vikings may be walking directly into another champagne problem. Sam Darnold is playing so well that simply letting him walk at the end of the season seems increasingly unlikely. Of course, there’s a long way to go before the season ends, but Mr. Darnold is sitting on a 67.9% completion rate to stand alongside his 657 passing yards, 8 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. So, some tidy work, especially since Minnesota sits at 3-0. Any chance he simply walks? <h2>The Vikings and The New Champagne Problem</h2>The benefit of letting him walk is a potential compensatory selection. In all likelihood, a late-3rd. However, the value of a low-end QB1 who is still only 27 — 28 on June 5th, 2025 — far exceeds a mere 3rd. One wonders, then, if there could be a one-year deal or even a two-year deal. After all, J.J. McCarthy is still very young, so committing to Darnold for a bit more time wouldn’t be the end of the world. <figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1IFaBN_0vll7Cp600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1IFaBN_0vll7Cp600" width="666" height="444" ><figcaption>Sep 15, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) reacts after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>Recently, SKOR North‘s Phil Mackey got into <a href="https://x.com/PhilMackey/status/1836829164193861765">the possibility of keep the QB1 around for a little while longer</a>. Mackey begins by asking about “a contract extension if you ran the Vikings.” There’s then a list of Darnold’s accomplishments across various advanced metrics and statistical categories. The final question: “Let’s say he stays top five in all those categories, would you sign him to like a Baker Mayfield/Geno Smith-type contract?”“That’d be a great problem to have,” Mackey concludes. Indeed, one might even label it a “champagne problem.” There’s so much QB talent in Minnesota that the Vikings need to untangle how to manage their promising passers who are 27 and 21. Now that is a champagne problem. <figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2qJ0LD_0vll7Cp600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2qJ0LD_0vll7Cp600" width="666" height="444" ><figcaption>Aug 2, 2024; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warm up during practice at Vikings training camp in Eagan, MN. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>Minnesota’s next test involves a trip to Lambeau Field. Last year, Kirk Cousins played a tremendous game…before tearing his Achilles. So, the brilliant play from the QB got overshadowed by an injury that would eventually sink Minnesota’s season. Darnold will be looking to replicate the brilliance while avoiding the injury. Last week, a low hit from Danielle Hunter caused a bit of concern about the quarterback’s knee, but he appears to be ready to roll for the upcoming game. Even better would be if the Vikings can give Darnold another weapon. Jordan Addison has a chance to play, which would mean Minnesota has Justin Jefferson, Addison, and Jalen Nailor to contend with on a snap-by-snap basis. Not easy, especially since Aaron Jones has proven to be excellent; he’s the 4th-best runner on PFF and someone who has turned his 42 carries into 228 yards and a touchdown (5.4 YPC average).<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3nLsn5_0vll7Cp600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3nLsn5_0vll7Cp600" width="666" height="444" ><figcaption>Sep 22, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) pitches the ball against the Houston Texans in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>Getting to 4-0 would be a major surprise to just about everyone in and around the NFL. Sam Darnold may not be the main reason why it’s attainable — that distinction belongs to Brian Flores’ defense — but he’s been among the best players on the team and fully living up to the prophecies about a bounce back season after years of purgatorial play. Kickoff between the Vikings and Packers takes place on Sunday, September 29th at 12 p.m. CT. Each win increases the likelihood that Minnesota is walking into a champagne problem with their top passer. Editor’s Note: Information from <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/">Pro Football Reference</a> and <a href="https://www.pff.com/">PFF</a> helped with this piece.K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for <a href="https://vikingsterritory.com/">Vikings Territory</a> and <a href="https://purpleptsd.com/">PurplePTSD</a>. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on <a href="https://twitter.com/VikingsGazette">Twitter</a>, as a co-host for <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notes-from-the-north/id1545058380?uo=4">Notes from the North</a>, and as the proprietor at <a href="https://thevikingsgazette.substack.com/">The Vikings Gazette</a>, a humble Vikings Substack.</div></body>

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The Vikings Are Walking Directly into Another Champagne Problem

Credit to the GM for the great phrase. Before an extension got done with Justin Jefferson, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah referred to needing to reach an agreement with the WR1 as a “champagne problem.” Or, put differently, an issue that’s also a tremendous luxury. As of right now, the...