Technically, it’s considered news that the Vikings and quarterback Sam Darnold I haven’t discussed a long-term deal. But why should they?

Darnold received a one-year, $10 million contract as a placeholder. JJ McCarthy was selected as the long-term starter.

The job only went to Darnold because McCarthy needed a meniscus repair that kept him out of action for the season. So Darnold gets a full year as a starter and the Vikings get real value for their investment in Darnold.

Darnold wasn’t so good that the Vikings would or should abandon their plans for McCarthy. The success of the third overall pick in the 2018 draft is due to the brilliance of coach Kevin O’Connell, who can turn just about anyone into a competent quarterback.

Next year, Darnold could get a starting job somewhere else. The Vikings will find another Darnold if necessary. It makes no sense for the Vikings to extend Darnold’s contract until he gets a chance to see what else is out there after the season.

If Darnold leaves, they may already have another Darnold in the building in Daniel Jones. If not Jones or Darnold, the Vikings will find someone else. Especially because other middle-class quarterbacks now know that spending time with O’Connell might be the best thing that’s ever happened to them in their careers.