Following a stint as a backup for the San Francisco 49ers during the 2023 season, Sam Darnold is set to embark on a new chapter with the Minnesota Vikings.
According to NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Darnold has inked a one-year contract with the Vikings valued at $10 million.
Rapoport tweeted, “A new QB in Minnesota: The #Vikings are expected to sign #49ers QB Sam Darnold, per me and @TomPelissero. Darnold gets a 1-year deal worth $10M, sources say, and joins former teammate Josh McCown, who is Minnesota’s new QB coach. Kirk Cousins out, Darnold in.”
This development follows Kirk Cousins’ decision to join the Atlanta Falcons on a lucrative four-year deal worth $180 million, as reported by Pelissero.
A new QB in Minnesota: The #Vikings are expected to sign #49ers QB Sam Darnold, per me and @TomPelissero.
Darnold gets a 1-year deal worth $10M, sources say, and joins former teammate Josh McCown, who is Minnesota’s new QB coach.
Kirk Cousins out, Darnold in. pic.twitter.com/QzrZDJ1Sdq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2024
Last offseason, amid concerns about Brock Purdy’s elbow following surgery for a torn UCL, the 49ers brought in Darnold on a one-year, $4.5 million contract as a contingency plan.
At the time, the 49ers already boasted Trey Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, on their roster. It remained uncertain whether Darnold’s arrival would spell the end for Lance’s tenure in San Francisco.
As training camp progressed and the preseason unfolded, with Purdy’s recovery affirming his readiness for the regular season, Darnold emerged as the primary backup quarterback ahead of Lance.
Subsequently, Lance was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, solidifying Darnold’s role as the backup throughout the season. While he saw action in 10 games, primarily during garbage time or when Purdy exited due to injury, Darnold was granted a start in the regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams after the 49ers secured the NFC playoffs’ top seed.
In that game, he completed 16 of 26 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown, albeit in a narrow 21-20 defeat to the Rams.
Darnold’s familiarity with head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system during his tenure with the 49ers may serve as a catalyst for future success. His performances in 2022 demonstrated promise, particularly during six starts for the Carolina Panthers, where he amassed 1,143 yards passing, seven touchdowns, and just two interceptions.
With Darnold now set to join the Vikings, he enters a team that posted a 7-10 record last season, marred by Cousins’ limited appearances due to an Achilles injury, encompassing just eight games.
