Following the departure of Kirk Cousins to Atlanta, the Minnesota Vikings could have their new QB1. According to Ian Rapoport, the Vikings are set to sign Sam Darnold on a one-year, $10 million contract.
Darnold was serviceable in his first four seasons. Each of those seasons, he had at least 2200 passing yards. In 2022, he only played 6 games but had a 4-2 record with 1143 yards and 7 touchdowns. Last season, he served as a backup for the San Francisco 49ers. Doing well in the limited action he saw. The Vikings will at least give him a chance to be their starter. He’s only 26 years old.
With other free agent quarterbacks landing elsewhere, the Vikings needed to pivot and at least take a chance. They could still opt to take a QB in the 2024 NFL Draft, but they’ll likely miss out on the top three. Justin Fields would also still be an option if the Bears do end up taking Caleb Williams. However, Sam Darnold fits the type of QB that the Vikings might be looking for. Someone who will mainly stay in the pocket like Cousins did.
Overall, Darnold has compiled a 21-35 record as a starter. He’s completed 59.7 percent of his career passes for 12,064 yards with 63 touchdowns and 56 interceptions. He’s also fumbled 38 times, losing 14 of them.
Josh McCown being the new QB Coach could also provide some familiarity. He was teammates with Darnold during his the latter’s rookie season. Not to mention, they didn’t make too many changes on the offensive coaching staff. That bodes well for Darnold. Kevin O’Connell worked under Kyle Shannahan in 2016 with the 49ers. The two coaches run a similar offensive scheme, so it won’t take too many adjustments for Darnold to get comfortable.
Signing him to a one-year deal makes it worth while for the Vikings. If he does well, they could then opt to give him an extension. If he doesn’t then they let him walk with no penalty at the end of the season.
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