The Vikings also could franchise tag Darnold, which would bring him back for one more year at an estimated $41 million, according to Over the Cap. That would allow McCarthy more time to heal, and would give him a full season to sit on the sidelines as a backup quarterback.

Sam Darnold's breakout season with the Minnesota Vikings is expected to lead to a lucrative contract in free agency.

If the Vikings believe he can, that leap of faith will change the course of the organization. James Palmer of Bleacher Report predicted on the Thursday, Dec. 26 edition of his podcast that Minnesota will do precisely that by extending Darnold on a multiyear contract.