Sam Darnold has not jeopardized his prospects for a lucrative contract despite experiencing two disappointing games towards the end of the season. Leigh Steinberg, a renowned NFL super-agent, shared with TMZ Sports his belief that the Minnesota Vikings will continue to endorse Darnold as their franchise quarterback moving forward. This perspective underscores Steinberg’s confidence in Darnold’s overall performance throughout the season, which is pivotal in the eyes of the Vikings’ management.

Drafted as the No. 3 overall pick in 2018, Darnold enjoyed a remarkable resurgence during the 2024-25 NFL season. He threw for over 4,300 yards and achieved 35 touchdowns, showcasing his talent and leadership as he guided the Vikings to an impressive 14-3 record. This outstanding performance has solidified his position as a key player in the Vikings’ roster and raised expectations for his future contributions to the team.

Unfortunately, Darnold’s impressive season took a downturn toward the end, with the team’s aspirations for a Super Bowl dashed following a lackluster performance against the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round. This outcome has stirred discussions about his potential and highlighted the pressures athletes face during critical playoff moments.

Nevertheless, Steinberg remains optimistic that the Vikings will take a holistic view of Darnold’s performance throughout the season rather than focusing solely on his last two games. He believes that the franchise will ultimately choose to retain Darnold as their starting quarterback, even with the presence of first-round pick J.J. McCarthy on the roster, indicating a commitment to continuity and development within the team.

In Steinberg’s own words, “I think so at the end of the day,” he asserts, “because if you analyze his complete body of work, he performed exceptionally well and demonstrated all the qualities of a franchise quarterback — he truly excelled during the season.” His insights reflect a deep understanding of the dynamics within the NFL and the factors that influence team decisions.

As the individual who inspired the character in the iconic film “Jerry Maguire,” Steinberg has seen his fair share of ups and downs in the league. He noted the Vikings’ dissatisfaction with Darnold’s performances in Week 18 against the Detroit Lions and the subsequent loss, but he remains confident that the organization recognizes these games do not define his true potential on the field.

If the Vikings decide to maintain their commitment to Darnold, it could lead to a significant salary increase for the quarterback. Prior to his standout 2024 season, he was on a one-year, $10 million contract, and his remarkable performance could warrant a more substantial financial commitment from the organization.

Steinberg’s perspective is informed by his extensive experience representing major NFL talents, including Patrick Mahomes, Troy Aikman, and Steve Young. His insights into player management and contract negotiations provide valuable context as he navigates Darnold’s future, showcasing his expertise in the complex landscape of professional football.

In addition to discussing Darnold’s career, Steinberg also shared insights about his foundation, which aims to raise awareness, promote prevention, and support research into concussions. He revealed some exciting advancements in this field, highlighting the importance of safety and health for athletes, which is increasingly becoming a priority in professional sports.