In a significant shift for the Minnesota Vikings, the team bid farewell to six-year cornerstone quarterback Kirk Cousins early Monday, setting the stage for a new chapter as Cousins inked a deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Swiftly addressing the void left by Cousins, the Vikings turned their sights to a fresh prospect, securing a one-year agreement with the former San Francisco 49ers backup, Sam Darnold, as reported by NFL Media.
At 26, Darnold, who was originally selected third overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft, brings a wealth of experience to the Vikings, with 56 games as a starter under his belt. His journey in the NFL, marked by stints with three teams over six seasons, has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Despite the challenges, Darnold has demonstrated resilience and skill, particularly during his time with the Carolina Panthers in 2022, where he boasted a commendable 4-2 record, along with seven touchdowns and a passer rating of 92.6.
Darnold’s connection to the Vikings is further strengthened by his relationship with the team’s new quarterbacks coach, Josh McCown. The two shared a locker room during Darnold’s rookie season with the Jets, laying the foundation for a mentorship that could prove invaluable in his development with the Vikings.
The signing of Darnold is a strategic move by the Vikings, positioning him as the frontrunner for the starting quarterback role, primarily due to his extensive experience. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the team as they navigate the post-Cousins era, with Darnold’s performance set to play a critical role in shaping their offensive strategy.
Despite his mixed track record, with a career passer rating of 78.3 and a completion percentage of 58.9, Darnold’s potential earning of up to $10 million signifies the Vikings’ confidence in his capabilities as a high-caliber backup, if not a starter. This move also aligns with General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s broader strategy of exploring multiple avenues to bolster the team’s quarterback position, including the upcoming NFL Draft, where the Vikings hold the No. 11 pick.
Kirk Cousins’ departure, though anticipated, has opened the door for the Vikings to adopt a more forward-looking approach to their quarterback lineup. The team’s history underscores the importance of perseverance and exploration in finding the right fit for the franchise’s most pivotal role. As the Vikings embark on this new journey with Sam Darnold at the helm, the coming seasons will reveal whether this fresh strategy will lead to the emergence of a new franchise quarterback, capable of guiding the team to new heights.