Bridge QB? Either way, Sam Darnold could be a huge boon for the Vikings.
When the Vikings signed veteran quarterback Sam Darnold to a one-year, $10 million contract in free agency in the spring, many people brushed it off as an insignificant move. A recent Pro Football FocusAfter spending last season as a backup with the San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota added Darnold on a low-risk, high-reward contract this offseason. He is still only 27 years old, and in a perfect world, he will provide a bridge for Minnesota as they develop first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
"Darnold will not be the franchise quarterback, but signing him for 2024 gives the Vikings flexibility to not rush McCarthy into action while the team remains competitive," NFL analyst Trevor Sikkema wrote. "For the flexibility and patience he allows Minnesota to have with McCarthy, Darnold was worth the $10 million this year."
Despite signing All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson to a record-breaking extension, trading up for Dallas Turner or adding their presumed quarterback of the future J.J. McCarthy, Sikkema thinks, "the Sam Darnold addition is the one that could have a big payout." Minnesota's new QB has reportedly been having a solid offseason in a brand-new system. In a world of monster contracts across the league, Darnold's $10 million in 2024-25 will be only 3.9% of the Vikings' salary cap number.
The low-risk nature of bringing in a talented player like Darnold for a small contract presents an interesting dynamic in the Vikings' QB room in this upcoming season. If everything goes right he will be able to help McCarthy in his development and will likely not even be with the franchise in 2025-26, but maybe he will put together a career year and throws a wrench in Minnesota's long-term plans at the position.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Report: Vikings see 'untapped potential' in Sam DarnoldWhat could we expect from QB1 in 2024-25?
Read more »
Sam Darnold grabbed Vikings' attention with Christmas performance in 2023Darnold appeared to be playing faster with good coaching and talented players around him.
Read more »
Bettor Places Crazy Wager on Sam Darnold to Win NFL MVPOne bettor has placed a sizable bet on Sam Darnold to be named NFL MVP in the 2024 season.
Read more »
If Sam Darnold isn't the answer, debuting J.J. McCarthy in Week 9 has meritWhen could we see McCarthy under center?
Read more »
Report: J.J. McCarthy could start Week 1 if he meets specific benchmarksKevin O'Connell has said Sam Darnold is QB1 entering training camp.
Read more »
Does Detroit Lions Jared Goff make pre-season All-NFC North team?NFL pre-season evaluation of QB's Jared Goff, Jordan Love, Caleb Williams and Sam Darnold.
Read more »