Vikings OC: We know Darnold will be 'sought after' in free agency
Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips believes quarterback Sam Darnold will be a hot commodity if he hits free agency.
"We all know that Sam is gonna be a sought-after type of guy from wherever that may be," Phillips said, according to Emily Leiker of The Minnesota Star Tribune.
"Whatever his future ends up being, I know all of us in this building are gonna be happy for him, no matter where that ends up being. I don't think he has to worry about that anymore."
Darnold is set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2025 after signing a one-year, $10-million deal with Minnesota in March. The Vikings and Darnold reportedly haven't spoken about potentially signing a long-term contract extension.
The 27-year-old is coming off a tremendous game against the Atlanta Falcons, completing 22 of 28 passes for 347 yards and five touchdowns. He's gone 4-0 over his last four games while completing 68% of his throws for 1,158 yards with 11 touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Darnold ranks fourth in completion percentage, seventh in success rate, and 10th in EPA/play among 35 signal-callers who have played at least 250 snaps this season, according to Ben Baldwin's database.
The 2018 third overall pick is in the midst of a career year after struggling in his first six seasons. He failed to live up to the hype with the New York Jets and then played for the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers before landing with Minnesota.
"The worry might've been, 'OK, this might be my opportunity to play.' He's past all that," Phillips added. "He's proven the doubters, and he's proven that he can play in this league."
The Vikings drafted J.J. McCarthy in the first round in April. However, the Michigan product suffered a season-ending injury in August, opening the door for Darnold to win the starting job.
Minnesota will face off against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football this week.