As the 2024 NFL season heads into its final stretch, a handful of players have positioned themselves for potentially career-defining contracts in 2025.
Two notable names on that list are Sam Darnold and Chase Young, both of whom have capitalized on fresh starts and are poised to cash in if they can maintain their momentum.
Sam Darnold’s Comeback Season with Minnesota
Sam Darnold has long been a puzzle. Once viewed as a franchise savior, his stints with the Jets and Panthers were marred by inconsistency and turnovers. Even his brief 2023 appearance with the 49ers left critics skeptical. However, 2024 has seen a different Darnold—a poised, confident leader under center for the Minnesota Vikings.
Through 11 games, Darnold has guided the Vikings to a 9-2 record, keeping them in contention for the NFC North crown. His performance last week against Chicago highlighted his growth: 300-plus passing yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. This marked his ninth game this season with a passer rating over 100, putting him in elite company alongside franchise legends like Brett Favre and Daunte Culpepper.
Despite leading the league in giveaways with 14, Darnold has shown resilience, often bouncing back from turnovers to secure victories. His ability to shake off mistakes and deliver under pressure has transformed him from a turnover-prone liability into a quarterback capable of leading a playoff-caliber team.
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Kevin O’Connell’s Influence on Darnold
Much of Darnold’s success can be attributed to head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system. O’Connell has tailored the offense to maximize Darnold’s strengths, providing clear reads and leveraging his arm strength. This partnership has revitalized Darnold’s career, making him a prime candidate for a significant contract in 2025.
The looming question is whether Darnold will remain in Minnesota. With rookie J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings, the Vikings may opt to move on, leaving Darnold as one of the top quarterbacks on the open market. His next destination will be critical in determining whether he continues to thrive or reverts to the struggles of his early career.
Chase Young’s Prove-It Season
On the defensive side, Chase Young’s 2024 campaign has been all about proving he can be a dominant force. After a midseason trade to New Orleans in 2023, Young signed a one-year, $13 million deal to showcase his talents. While his sack total (3.5) may not jump off the stat sheet, his impact goes far beyond raw numbers.
Young’s 48 quarterback pressures and 15.6% pressure rate place him among the NFL’s elite pass-rushers. His ability to consistently disrupt opposing offenses makes him a valuable commodity, especially for teams needing a game-changing presence on the edge.
Young’s Path to a Big Payday
With the final six weeks of the season approaching, Young’s performance could be the deciding factor in whether he secures a long-term deal in the $18 million to $20 million range. Teams value pressure over pure sack totals, and Young’s consistent presence in the backfield has scouts and executives taking notice.
The Risk and Reward for Teams in Free Agency
The NFL has historically been a tough landscape for middle-tier quarterbacks and pass-rushers. Darnold and Young find themselves at a crossroads where their late-season performances could determine their financial futures. Both players have shown they can thrive in the right systems, but teams will weigh their long-term viability carefully before offering substantial contracts.
Darnold’s Potential Destinations
Several franchises could be in play for Darnold, depending on how the 2025 draft shakes out. While Minnesota may move forward with McCarthy, teams like Tennessee and Cleveland could offer appealing opportunities. Darnold’s recent success with a stable organization should guide him toward avoiding chaotic environments in his next chapter.
Young’s Unique Value on the Open Market
Young’s pre-draft pedigree still carries weight. If he can convert his pressures into sacks down the stretch, he’ll enter free agency as one of the most coveted defensive ends. Teams looking for a dominant pass-rusher may view Young as a cornerstone piece capable of elevating their defense.
Final Stretch: Make or Break
For Darnold and Young, the final six games of the season are about more than wins and losses—they’re about securing their futures. Whether it’s Darnold leading the Vikings deep into the playoffs or Young turning pressures into game-changing plays, both players have everything to gain.
The stakes are high, and their performances in December and January will dictate not only their market value but also how they’re perceived within league circles. With millions on the line, Darnold and Young have one last chance to prove they’re worth the investment.