When quarterback Sam Darnold signed with the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent in 2023, after unsuccessful stints with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers following his selection as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, he recognized it might be his last significant opportunity to revive his struggling career.
Darnold did not play any meaningful snaps last season, as the Niners had already designated Brock Purdy as their franchise quarterback, relegating Darnold to mop-up duties and a relatively inconsequential Week 18 game after San Francisco secured the No. 1 seed in the conference.
While Darnold’s performance with the 49ers was not particularly impressive, betting on himself for that one year paid off. He subsequently secured a one-year, $10 million free-agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings in the offseason, with $8.75 million fully guaranteed.
For Minnesota, which had recently parted ways with longtime starter Kirk Cousins, Darnold represents a temporary solution. Even Darnold’s “promising” tenure with the Niners would not suggest otherwise.
Seeking a long-term answer, the Vikings used the No. 10 overall pick in this year’s draft on former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who will have every opportunity to surpass Darnold on the depth chart.
According to recent reports, Darnold is currently the No. 1 quarterback on the Vikings’ depth chart as they head into training camp. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reported that Darnold is ahead of McCarthy and the other two quarterbacks on Minnesota’s 90-man offseason roster, including another former 49ers quarterback, Nick Mullens.
Minnesota’s head coach, Kevin O’Connell, hinted that Darnold is leading the competition for now. However, this lead does not hold much significance in the long term. The Vikings appear to be taking a measured approach with McCarthy, allowing him to adjust to the NFL rather than rushing him into action, a mistake that contributed to Darnold’s earlier struggles in 2018.
Interestingly, Darnold and the Vikings will face Purdy and the 49ers in Week 2, with a good chance that Darnold will be starting against his former team early in the season.