Sam Darnold’s inconsistent finish should not overshadow his notable season or prospects for the future.
With numerous NFL teams on the lookout for a franchise quarterback, Darnold showcased his capabilities in Minnesota, becoming the first quarterback in league history to secure 14 wins in his inaugural season with a franchise. He’s expected to be a hot commodity in free agency unless the Vikings opt to franchise tag him.
Despite experiencing difficulties during the last two games of the season—which included a 27-9 defeat to the Rams in the wild-card playoffs—Darnold is poised to have many opportunities come March if he becomes available in the market.
The Vikings now face the crucial decision of whether to retain Darnold or allocate resources to bolster the squad around J.J. McCarthy, who sat out his rookie year due to a knee injury.
“Sam delivered some outstanding performances for us and contributed to many significant victories,” commented general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah during a press briefing. “In several games, he was the difference-maker. However, we need to evaluate the entire context. It’s critical to consider how he fits into our overall championship strategy and what the surrounding team will look like. We’ll conduct a careful review similar to what we did last offseason.”
Darnold, who was picked third overall by the New York Jets back in 2018, finally began to meet expectations during his seventh season with his fourth team. Originally signed for a one-year deal worth $10 million to serve as a transitional quarterback, he stepped up as the starter following McCarthy’s training camp injury.
Under the directive of coach Kevin O’Connell, the 27-year-old Darnold flourished. He passed for 4,319 yards, achieved 35 touchdowns, and recorded just 12 interceptions, boasting a passer rating of 102.5.
Furthermore, he became only the fourth player in NFL history to have 12 games in a single season with both multiple touchdowns and a passer rating exceeding 100, joining elite players like Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, and Matt Ryan.
Though Darnold garnered a spot in the Pro Bowl, he encountered two of his least effective games at a time when Minnesota needed him most. After facing a potential path to securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed, the Vikings fell to the Detroit Lions 31-9 in Week 18. Subsequently, they were overwhelmed by the Rams in the playoffs, where Darnold was sacked nine times.
This led to speculation among analysts regarding Darnold’s future and whether these two subpar performances could jeopardize a more lucrative contract. The estimated franchise tag for quarterbacks stands at $41.3 million, yet Darnold is still anticipated to secure a multi-year contract averaging at least $40 million annually.
“Sam should take pride in the season he had from start to finish,” O’Connell remarked. “He consistently showed up ready to compete and learned a great deal about his potential in this league. He demonstrated to everyone that he can perform at a winning caliber as a quarterback.”
Here are five franchises, aside from the Vikings, where Darnold could also excel:
**Pittsburgh Steelers**
After a strong start at 10-3, they lost five consecutive games. With both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields not under contract for the coming season, Darnold could emerge as a long-term solution for a team still seeking to fill the void left by Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement.
**New York Giants**
Darnold’s three years with the Jets were challenging, hampered by coaching changes and lack of support. With the Giants holding the third pick in the draft, they risk missing out on top-tier quarterbacks if Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward are off the board. If so, Darnold could fill their need for a quarterback, bringing familiarity with the New York market.
General Manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll remain under pressure to improve following a 3-14 record, and Darnold’s experience could be vital.
**Las Vegas Raiders**
With Tom Brady’s acquisition of a minor stake in the Raiders, the team is in need of both a new coach and quarterback. Brady has emphasized that rookie quarterbacks often require time to mature and should not be thrust into starting roles immediately. With their No. 7 pick, Las Vegas may lack the opportunity to select a top quarterback. Depending on their new coach and offensive strategies, Darnold could make sense as a fit.
**Cleveland Browns**
Deshaun Watson’s recent Achilles injury has opened the door for the Browns to reconsider one of the league’s most controversial trades. Despite still owing Watson substantial funds, the Browns hold the No. 2 draft pick, giving them a chance to select a quarterback. Darnold might prefer a situation where he can start without the looming pressure of competition. Alternatively, the Browns could choose to trade down, gather draft capital, and sign Darnold while finding a coach to guide him effectively, echoing strategies that benefited Baker Mayfield and Joe Flacco.
**Indianapolis Colts**
With the urgency to succeed in Indianapolis, the Colts are grappling with recent performance issues. While Anthony Richardson has a promising start to his career, the team must focus on winning now. Darnold could prove to be an upgrade in partnership with coach Shane Steichen.
This analysis covers key themes and developments in the NFL each week, shedding light on the latest insights and strategic considerations for the teams.
