The Minnesota Vikings made some controversial roster additions and subtractions this summer.
On Thursday, July 11, Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus reviewed what he views to be each NFC franchise’s top offseason moves and concluded that acquiring a quarterback is the best option for the Vikings.”The Vikings made some big splashes by re-signing Justin Jefferson and drafting J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner, but the Sam Darnold addition is the one that could have a big payout,” says Sikkema. “Darnold will not be the franchise quarterback, but signing him in 2024 allows the Vikings the flexibility to not hurry McCarthy into action while the team is still competitive. Darnold was worth the $10 million this year because he allowed Minnesota to be flexible and patient with McCarthy.
Vikings placed a bet on Sam Darnold Over Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield. The Vikings declined to pay Kirk Cousins, or at least the $180 million over four years ($100 million guaranteed) that the Atlanta Falcons offered to entice Minnesota’s former starter away in free agency.There were legitimate doubts about how Jefferson would react to that development, considering that he went out in support of Cousins and has been a proponent of playing to win every game during every season of his four-year career. But Minnesota answered those questions when it signed its star wideout to the largest annual contract for any non-quarterback in league history: $35 million per season over four years.
In terms of winning, Darnold may be the best player the Vikings could have signed without committing a large amount of salary cap space over numerous years. Minnesota might have pursued Baker Mayfield, for example, who re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the next three years for $100 million, with half of that amount guaranteed.
Darnold was the New York Jets’ third overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, the same year the Cleveland Browns selected Mayfield first. Each individual joined the Carolina Panthers after their first clubs’ seasons ended abruptly, and they will overlap in 2022.
The next year, Mayfield joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he led them to the NFC South Division title and a playoff victory over Philadelphia. Darnold, meanwhile, joined the San Francisco 49ers as Brock Purdy’s backup. He started only one game for the NFC winners in 2023, but he appeared in ten and finished the season 28-of-46 passing for 297 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Sam Darnold Should Keep the Vikings Offense Competitive Until J.J. McCarthy Ready to Start Darnold will almost definitely serve as a one-year bridge to McCarthy, whom the Vikings took with the 10th overall choice in this year’s draft.
Minnesota has committed not to rush the reigning National Champion and former Michigan quarterback into a starting role during his rookie season, but the franchise has also stated that if McCarthy meets all of the team’s established standards, he would be given a shot as the starter.
Meanwhile, Darnold demonstrated the arm strength in his limited role with the 49ers last season that helped him earn a top-three overall pick six years ago. He’s only 27 years old and will be playing alongside a more gifted He has a larger roster than he has ever had outside of San Francisco.
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