Minneapolis, Minnesota – Following the departure of Kirk Cousins to the Falcons, the Minnesota Vikings have swiftly made a move to bring in a new experienced quarterback. The team has reached an agreement with Sam Darnold on a one-year contract worth $10 million, as reported by sources familiar with the negotiations.
Drafted as the No. 3 overall pick in 2018, Darnold served as the backup quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers during the 2023 season. Despite limited playing time, he showcased his skills in the Week 18 game against the Rams, where he displayed solid passing and rushing abilities.
Prior to his stint with the 49ers, Darnold spent his first three seasons with the New York Jets before being traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021. Although his record as a starter has been mixed, Darnold’s performance with the Panthers in 2022 showed promise, finishing with a 4-2 record.
In his career, Darnold has demonstrated potential but also faced setbacks, with a total of 63 touchdowns, 56 interceptions, and 38 fumbles. With the opportunity to lead the Vikings’ offense in the upcoming season, Darnold will be working within a familiar coaching framework, alongside his former Jets teammate Josh McCown, who now serves as Minnesota’s quarterbacks’ coach.
With the support and guidance of the coaching staff, Darnold will have the chance to leverage his experience and skill set to make a significant impact for the Vikings in the 2024 season. The team’s decision to bring in Darnold reflects their commitment to strengthening their quarterback position and pursuing success in the competitive NFL landscape.