Although they probably still have room to improve at quarterback, the Minnesota Vikings took a risk earlier in the summer by adding one of the most enigmatic free agent acquisitions.
Sam Darnold, who was Brock Purdy’s backup for the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 while he was in the Kyle Shanahan quarterback rehabilitation program, inked a $10 million one-year deal with the Vikings.
Darnold’s contract is for borderline starting quarterback pay, and it appears that his addition is meant to act as insurance in case the team is unable to try to choose a quarterback of the future at the top of the NFL Draft board.
Pro Football Focus mocked both the Vikings’ decision to sign Darnold and the terms of his new deal as the former No. 3 overall pick.
Brad Spielberger writes for PFF that Darnold “reunites with former teammate Josh McCown,” and he lists the signing of Darnold as his least favorite offseason move made by the Vikings. “Who is currently Kevin O’Connell’s quarterback coach for the Minnesota Vikings? It’s clear that Minnesota needs a bridge quarterback, or else this may be the Tampa Bay Bucs’ Baker Mayfield of 2024, but with so many possibilities, they simply had to offer Darnold a raise of at least 100% over 2023. It seems as though compensation is built in so Minnesota can claim, “Hey, we don’t need to trade up.” We think we have a starting!
“Nevertheless, Darnold showed some real sparks toward the end of the 2022 season in Carolina, and we know that organizations continue to have faith in the former No. 3 overall choice. Ultimately, with their first-round pick resting at No. 11 overall, Minnesota had to make a very significant move with Kirk Cousins leaving for Atlanta, and player agents were well aware of that fact. We will now have to wait and watch if they move up or add a rookie signal-caller at No. 11.
After spending a season honing his craft in Shanahan’s offense with the 49ers, Darnold seems a little mysterious.
It will be interesting to see if the Vikings use their high draft pick to get a quarterback like J.J. McCarthy or Drake Maye right away, or if they start the season holding a clipboard and learning behind Darnold for a few weeks.
However, starting Darnold, who has thrown 63 touchdowns and 56 interceptions in his career, might be a huge gamble for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 if they are unable to trade up. Particularly considering how much depends on fostering a positive relationship with standout wide receiver Justin Jefferson and not pressuring him for a postseason return.
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