The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly still thinking about keeping Sam Darnold.
As the NFL offseason heats up, teams are making critical decisions about their rosters that could shape their future. For the Minnesota Vikings, one of the most intriguing questions centers around their quarterback position. While many have been speculating on whether they’ll stick with Kirk Cousins as their long-term starter or make a move for a younger, more dynamic player, a surprising name has emerged as a potential future option for the team: Sam Darnold.
Darnold, who was drafted by the New York Jets with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has had a roller-coaster career so far. After a promising start, his tenure with the Jets was marred by inconsistency, injuries, and struggles with turnovers. However, after moving to the Carolina Panthers for a fresh start in 2021, Darnold’s fortunes didn’t improve significantly. Yet, despite his lackluster performances, Darnold’s potential hasn’t gone unnoticed, and some teams believe that with the right coaching and system, he can still develop into a capable starter in the NFL.
In this article, we’ll dive into the latest reports suggesting that the Minnesota Vikings are considering keeping Sam Darnold around, assess the reasons behind this decision, and explore what his potential future in Minnesota might look like.
The Minnesota Vikings’ Current Quarterback Situation
At the heart of this conversation is the Minnesota Vikings’ current quarterback situation. Kirk Cousins has been the team’s starter since 2018 and, for the most part, has provided solid, steady play. He is a veteran who consistently puts up good statistics, but there’s a growing belief that the Vikings need something more than just solid play to reach the next level. While Cousins has delivered playoff appearances and some regular-season success, the Vikings have often come up short in the postseason, raising questions about whether he is the quarterback who can lead the team to a Super Bowl.
Cousins’ contract has also played a role in these conversations. He has been on a series of one- and two-year deals, with significant financial commitments. His current contract runs through the 2023 season, and there have been rumors about the Vikings either restructuring his deal or moving on from him altogether to give the team more salary-cap flexibility and the ability to invest in other areas of the roster.
In parallel to these considerations, the Vikings have been keeping an eye on potential quarterback options for the future. Given their position in the draft and the presence of other quarterbacks like Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis, and Matt Corral in recent years, there has been plenty of speculation about the Vikings moving up in the draft or making a trade for a new face under center. However, reports have recently surfaced suggesting that the team is also considering keeping Sam Darnold as part of their future quarterback plans.
Why the Vikings Are Interested in Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold’s career has been a mixed bag. He entered the NFL with high expectations after a successful college career at USC, where he was seen as a potential franchise quarterback. However, his time with the Jets was marked by frequent turnover problems, poor offensive line play, and a lack of consistency at the skill positions. His best season with the Jets came in 2019, when he threw for 3,024 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, but the team only won 7 games, failing to make the playoffs.
After being traded to the Panthers in 2021, Darnold had another chance to prove himself, but injuries and a lack of offensive consistency hindered his development. In his first season with the Panthers, Darnold was benched midway through the year after throwing just 9 touchdowns to 13 interceptions and finishing with a 4-7 record as a starter. He also struggled with turnovers, which became a consistent theme in his career.
Despite his struggles, there are several reasons why the Minnesota Vikings could be interested in giving Darnold a second chance, even though he hasn’t lived up to expectations thus far in his career.
- Physical Tools and Potential:
Sam Darnold still has the physical traits that made him such a highly coveted prospect coming out of college. He has a strong arm, good mobility, and the ability to make all the throws. At just 25 years old, Darnold is still in the early stages of his career and could benefit from a change of scenery and better coaching. The Vikings might see potential in Darnold that wasn’t fully realized in New York or Carolina, and with the right system in place, he could still develop into a reliable starting quarterback. - Minnesota’s Offensive System:
One of the key factors that could influence the Vikings’ decision to keep Darnold is the offensive system in place. Minnesota’s offensive coordinator, Kevin O’Connell, is known for his ability to work with quarterbacks and tailor systems to their strengths. O’Connell’s West Coast offense principles and emphasis on quarterback movement could be a perfect fit for Darnold’s skill set. A quarterback with Darnold’s ability to make plays outside the pocket could thrive in a system that encourages improvisation and quick decision-making. - The Vikings’ Long-Term QB Dilemma:
While Kirk Cousins has been a solid quarterback for the Vikings, he has shown limitations in the postseason. The Vikings have been looking for that next-level quarterback who can take them to a Super Bowl, and while Cousins is certainly capable of winning games, there’s uncertainty surrounding whether he is the player who can bring a championship to Minnesota. In Darnold, the Vikings see a low-risk, high-reward proposition. He isn’t a marquee name like Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson, but he represents a chance to build around a younger quarterback who could grow into a superstar with the right development. - Darnold’s Contract:
Darnold’s contract situation may also make him an appealing option for the Vikings. With a relatively team-friendly deal for the 2023 season, the Vikings could keep Darnold as a backup or potential starter without committing significant financial resources. If Darnold doesn’t pan out, the Vikings would have the flexibility to move on without a major financial burden, especially if they decide to draft a quarterback in the future or explore other trade options. - Competitive Quarterback Market:
The quarterback market in the NFL can be quite competitive, and teams are constantly trying to find their future signal-caller. The Vikings could find themselves in a situation where the top quarterbacks in the draft or through free agency are too costly, and they decide to stay the course with a quarterback like Darnold. In many cases, young quarterbacks like Darnold can benefit from a fresh start in a new environment, and the Vikings might believe they can provide that.
What Keeping Darnold Could Mean for the Vikings
If the Vikings decide to keep Sam Darnold, there are several potential benefits for the team. For one, they would have a young quarterback on the roster who is still learning and developing. Darnold, with his athleticism and arm strength, could push the envelope on offense, especially if the Vikings can surround him with talent. The Vikings’ offensive line has shown improvements, and with weapons like Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and Dalvin Cook in the backfield, Darnold would have the chance to thrive if he can minimize turnovers and make quicker, more accurate decisions.
Additionally, keeping Darnold would provide the Vikings with a potential “bridge” quarterback should they decide to draft or trade for a future franchise quarterback. Having a capable backup like Darnold would allow the Vikings to develop a rookie or another young player at their own pace without the pressure of starting immediately.
Finally, keeping Darnold could allow the Vikings to focus on building up other parts of their roster, such as the defense and offensive line, without the massive financial commitment that comes with a more established starting quarterback. The Vikings could reallocate those resources to improve other areas of the team while also providing Darnold with the opportunity to prove he can be the long-term solution under center.
Potential Risks of Keeping Darnold
While the potential rewards of keeping Sam Darnold are evident, there are also significant risks. First and foremost, Darnold’s career has been riddled with inconsistency, turnovers, and missed opportunities. Even with the right system and coaching, it’s uncertain whether he can fully realize his potential as an NFL starter. The Vikings could invest time and resources into Darnold, only to find that he doesn’t live up to the expectations placed on him.
Moreover, the Vikings may also face backlash from their fanbase if they don’t make a more decisive move at the quarterback position. After years of stability with Kirk Cousins, the Minnesota faithful might want to see a high-profile, proven quarterback take over the team. Keeping Darnold as a potential starter could be seen as a gamble, and if he falters, it could set the franchise back.
