A few weeks from perhaps losing Kirk Cousins, the Minnesota Vikings are ready to let him go in light of a rumour that Sam Darnold is being considered by the organisation as a short-term quarterback.
Columnist Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press stated on February 25 that the Vikings are considering signing Darnold as a bridge veteran to complement a rookie quarterback, even as Cousins, who is set to hit free agency on March 13, is attracting interest from the Atlanta Falcons.
Sam Darnold Garnering Buzz as This Year’s Baker Mayfield
The New York Jets selected Darnold with the third overall choice in the 2018 draft. Coming out of college, Darnold was praised for his accuracy and arm power.
After three seasons, he was traded to the Carolina Panthers by a floundering New York organisation. By accepting Darnold’s fifth-year option, the Panthers will essentially have two more seasons with the former USC standout.
While Darnold corrected his turnover-prone play in Carolina, the team decided to trade the Chicago Bears for the first overall pick in the 2023 draft in 2022 due to an ankle ailment. The Panthers solidified their intention to draft Bryce Young while letting Darnold depart.
“Atlanta continues to appear as Cousins’ next stop. As for Sam Darnold, a 26-year-old free agent, the Vikings are reportedly evaluating him as a bridge quarterback to take Cousins’ spot before to the April draft, according to Walters. “The Vikings’ next move, should Cousins depart, will be to see if they can trade up from No. 11 in the draft to choose a top quarterback.”
Although fans aren’t overly enthusiastic about Darnold, he is a seasoned NFL starter who could keep the Vikings offence, which didn’t miss a beat under Nick Mullens, rolling in 2024. By signing Darnold, the franchise would be expected to maintain its competitiveness as they work to develop a quarterback prospect who they would likely pick in the first round.
Nevertheless, given Baker Mayfield’s rise last season, there are now greater expectations that Darnold might be a late bloomer.
Under the guidance of San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, Darnold has since studied as a backup quarterback.
Like Mayfield, who led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to an unexpected postseason berth after working with Shanahan disciple Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams, Darnold has had some exposure to some of the league’s most quarterback-friendly coaching and an offensive play-caller who complements his skill set.
Starting in the 49ers’ regular-season finale, Darnold looked good. In a 21-20 loss to the Rams, he completed 16 of 26 pass attempts (61.5%) for 189 yards passing and two touchdowns overall, mostly to reserves.
