Super Bowl champion claims playoff expectations from Sam Darnold are greater than $260,000,000 Ravens QB

Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel has sparked a debate by suggesting that Sam Darnold faces more pressure than Lamar Jackson in the upcoming playoffs. Daniel's assessment centers on Darnold's career-defining moment with the Minnesota Vikings against the Los Angeles Rams.

Darnold emerged as a transformed quarterback under Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell in 2024. His resurgence included ranking among the NFL's top 10 in passing yardage, touchdown throws and passer rating.

Jackson, meanwhile, leads the Ravens after signing a five-year, $260 million deal while putting up record-breaking numbers.

Speaking on "The Facility Show" on Jan. 10, 2025, Daniel provided an unexpected perspective on the playoff pressure facing both quarterbacks. His analysis arrived just days before their respective Wild Card matchups:

"Look, I think that Lamar is just so much better than the series. But the person under more pressure in my opinion ... it's gotta be Sam Darnold. Sam Darnold, six horrible seasons. If he loses against the Rams, you got to imagine the Minnesota Vikings are going to rethink giving you this contract," said Daniel.

Daniel highlighted the financial stakes for Darnold, noting he could "double his career earnings" from $68 million with his next contract. Jackson, by contrast, has already secured his future with a deal making him one of the NFL's highest-paid players.

Chase Daniel says Sam Darnold's "career is almost on the line"

Syndication: Detroit Free Press - Source: Imagn

Daniel's assessment follows Sam Darnold's concerning performance in Week 18. The Vikings quarterback missed multiple touchdown throws against Detroit, including key passes to T.J. Hockenson and Justin Jefferson in the end zone.

The stakes differ markedly for Jackson, who enters the playoffs after a historic season. He became the first player to throw for 4,000 yards and rush for 900 yards in a season. His remarkable efficiency includes 41 touchdowns against just four interceptions.

The contrast between their situations extends beyond statistics. Jackson aims to overcome his postseason struggles, where he's averaged one turnover every 45 snaps compared to one every 82 snaps in regular season play. His QBR drops 14.2 points in the playoffs, the second-highest decline among quarterbacks since 2006.

Sam Darnold, however, bounced back from previous setbacks this season. After throwing three interceptions against Jacksonville in Week 10, he responded with 2,012 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just two interceptions over his next seven games.

The mounting pressure reflects their divergent paths. Jackson seeks to justify his massive contract and join other MVP quarterbacks who reached Super Bowls by age 28. Meanwhile, Darnold fights to prove his career renaissance isn't just a regular-season phenomenon.