Darren Sharper -- Prison Inmate-to-Be Up for NFL Hall of Fame

Darren Sharper got some great news -- considering he's sitting in jail waiting to find out how long he'll be in prison ... he's now officially a candidate for the NFL Hall of Fame.

The former Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints safety got the nod in his first year of eligibility for the honor ... but it would be pretty controversial if he's selected.

As we've reported ... Sharper is awaiting sentencing for multiple rapes in multiple states. He's struck a plea deal and will most likely only serve 9 years in prison for all the crimes.

Right now, Sharper's just on the initial list of 103 candidates, which will get cut down to 25 ... before the final inductees are selected. Soooo ... Sharper is certain to have a prison cell before he has a serious shot at having a bust in Canton.