Ex-NFL LB claims Sam Darnold's playoffs could define QB's legacy: "He's playing for $75,000,000 to $120,000,000"

Monday night's playoff game is one of if not the biggest game for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold, who was signed by the Vikings this offseason with a chance to compete for their starting quarterback job with rookie J.J. McCarthy, has been on a tear all season.

In a rejuvenating season in Year 7, Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 record, while making the playoffs as a wildcard team. A victory and a good performance could really help his case of getting a big contract this offseason, and Fox Sports analyst Emmanuel Acho agrees.

Speaking on Speak For Yourself, the former linebacker claimed Darnold's playoff run could land him a lucrative contract around $75-$120 million:

"It's very simple. Sam Darnold, he's playing probably for $75 to $120 million like that is what is at stake for Sam Darnold, and it's crazy, because you can completely rewrite your legacy in about 12 quarters. Sam, 12 good quarters.

"That's all... the Vikings, they still have J.J. McCarthy, the Eagles, they still had Carson Wentz. Darnold, it might not be the Vikings to pay you, but Darnold will get paid by somebody with a great playoff run, with a great couple playoff games."

The Vikings signed Darnold to just a one-year, $10 million del

Sam Darnold had a Geno Smith-like season with the Minnesota Vikings this season

Sam Darnold during Minnesota Vikings v Detroit Lions - Source: Getty

Sam Darnold had a very unique season in his seventh season in the NFL.

After being selected third overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft, Darnold was widely viewed as a bust after his first three seasons with the Jets, after going 13-25 in three seasons. He was then on the Carolina Panthers and the San Francisco 49ers for the next three seasons.

This year, joining the Vikings, Darnold had a career-year, posing career-high numbers all across the board while making his first playoff appearance.

Geno Smith was selected in the second round by the New York Jets in the 2013 NFL Draft. He was with NY for four seasons, going 12-19 as their starter. From 2017-2021, he started just four games for the New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks, going 1-3.

It wasn't until the 2022 season where he went 9-8 and led the Seahawks to the playoffs where he rejuvenated his career, leading to a three-year, $75 million deal.

Darnold looks to follow suit by earning a lucrative contract extension this offseason.