The Minnesota Vikings are preparing for the possibility of Kirk Cousins departing in free agency and are considering several options for a new starting quarterback for the 2024 season. Among them is Sam Darnold, who could potentially fill the role.
Darren Wolfson, speaking on SKOR North’s “Mackey and Judd” podcast, addressed speculation from The Athletic suggesting the Vikings might pursue Darnold if Cousins moves on. While Baker Mayfield is initially mentioned as the team’s preferred choice, Darnold emerges as a backup option with potential upside.
Despite facing criticism for his performance since being drafted third overall by the New York Jets, Darnold is still young at 26 and could revive his career given the right circumstances. Similar to Geno Smith, who rejuvenated his career with the Seattle Seahawks, Darnold has shown flashes of promise, particularly during his time with the Carolina Panthers.
Following a trade to the Panthers, Darnold demonstrated improvement, highlighted by a 4-2 record as a starter towards the end of the season. His exposure to coaching from Kyle Shanahan, known for developing quarterbacks, further enhances his potential.
While Darnold’s overall statistics may not be stellar, his performance in certain games, including a solid showing against the Los Angeles Rams, suggests he could be a competent starter for the Vikings.
Former NFL executive Randy Mueller believes that signing Darnold could allow the Vikings to redirect financial resources towards strengthening other areas of the team. Compared to Cousins, whose potential contract demands are significant, Darnold’s past deals have been more affordable, making him an attractive option for the Vikings.
In conclusion, while replacing Cousins with Darnold may not represent a significant upgrade at the quarterback position, it could provide the Vikings with financial flexibility to bolster other areas of the team, potentially leading to overall improvement.
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