Sam Darnold, a seasoned quarterback with six years of experience, inked a fresh deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Darnold, who was once a first-round selection, played for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2023 season after stints with the New York Jets and the Carolina Panthers.
A new QB in Minnesota: The #Vikings are expected to sign #49ers QB Sam Darnold, per me and @TomPelissero.
Darnold gets a 1-year deal worth $10M, sources say, and joins former teammate Josh McCown, who is Minnesota’s new QB coach.
Kirk Cousins out, Darnold in. pic.twitter.com/QzrZDJ1Sdq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2024
Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings, Agree to Contract
After securing the backup role during training camp, Sam Darnold spent most of the 2023 season on the sidelines, primarily observing with a clipboard in hand on Sundays. Throughout the season, the seasoned quarterback participated in 10 games, with only one start in a Week 18 match that held little significance. During his limited time on the field, the former third-overall draft pick completed 60.9% of his passes, accumulating 297 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Darnold’s journey began in the NFL as a first-round selection in the 2018 Draft by the New York Jets. The USC alum swiftly earned a starting position and played in 13 games during his rookie season, achieving a somewhat promising stat line of 2,865 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, while completing 57.7% of his passes.
In 2019, Darnold faced a brief setback due to mononucleosis but continued to display potential amidst inconsistent performances. Throughout 13 starts, he completed 61.9% of his passes, amassing 3,024 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. However, his performance dipped in 2020, marked by nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions, leading the team to a 2-10 record during his tenure as the starter.
With the second-overall pick in hand, the Jets opted to trade Darnold to the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers promptly exercised the fifth-year option on Darnold’s contract, positioning him as their starting quarterback. However, his performance failed to improve in the new setting. Across 11 starts and 12 appearances, he completed just 59.9% of his passes for 2,527 yards, nine touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Although he served primarily as the backup for Carolina in 2022, Darnold managed to guide the team to a 4-2 record in his six starts.
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