Sam Darnold Football Card Prices are Going Through the Roof

The Minnesota Vikings are playing really good football right now. Sam Darnold’s performance is at the center of that. When it comes to collectibles, few leagues trump the NFL. The most desired players are always the quarterbacks, and Darnold’s trading cards are seeing quite the boost.

Buy your Sam Darnold cards now Minnesota Vikings fans

Trading cards have seen a resurgence in recent seasons. The level of popularity has increased a significant hike in prices. Sam Darnold was once a massive chase as the third overall pick in 2018. His stuff cooled off with poor performances. Now card prices are now surging once again as his performance has warranted a jump.

“So who would’ve thought that Darnold would be the hero NFL card collectors — and I guess the Minnesota Vikings, too — needed three weeks into the 2024 season. Because like 2018 NFL Draft classmate Baker Mayfield last year, those who stashed away Darnold cards (either intentionally or not) might want to unearth them right now if they’re looking to cash in.”

Larry Holder on Sam Darnold cards (The Athletic)

The Downtown insert pictured above is a key case hit chase card from Panini products. Darnold’s Downtown insert can be found in boxes of 2018 Donruss Optic Football. If you are looking to land the key rookie card, buying a single off of eBay (options here) is a much more cost effective option than ripping sealed wax and hoping to find a holy grail That doesn’t mean it won’t set you back a bit as Darnold cards continue to trend upwards.

Related: Local Insider: J.J. McCarthy is Still the Minnesota Vikings Future

There is staying power for Darnold should he continue to keep the Vikings looking good. Like Geno Smith or Baker Mayfield, as Larry Holder mentioned, a the next contract is what Darnold could be securing during his time with the Vikings. A big payday and long-term home makes a good deal of sense in 2025. Darnold is younger than Joe Burrow, and should have plenty of good football left in front of him.

N-V-P! N-V-P!

Sam Darnold wins this week's @Nickelodeon Valuable Player Award.

And the coaches take the slime!

📺: @NFLonCBS https://t.co/miPCDSKYwN pic.twitter.com/0yQq7mS1PE

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 25, 2024

Related: Former Falcons QB Has High Praise for Vikings’ Sam Darnold

Beyond just rookie cards, which will feature Darnold in a New York Jets uniform, the Vikings signal caller should start to appear in a Minnesota uniform soon. 2024 product has started to hit the market, and the later in the year, the more chances Panini and Topps (unlicensed) will have to include the veteran. Often free agent acquisitions take some time to show up on checklists as the printing process takes place months in advance.

Related: Sam Darnold’s QB Stock on the Rise Again

Darnold has done justice to the “14” he decided to rock with the Vikings. You can bet plenty of Minnesota fans will be seeking some of his first purple autographs if a deep playoff run is in the cards.