The unlikely rise of Sam Darnold
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Sam Darnold is darn good. Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
As it turns out, Sam Darnold is pretty darn good.
Why it matters: The Minnesota Vikings have struggled for 45 years to find a franchise quarterback. They may have pulled one from the unlikeliest of places: the scrap heap.
Catch up quick: Darnold's early career struggles earned him the bust label. The New York Jets, who drafted him third overall in 2018, gave up on him after three poor seasons and traded him to the Carolina Panthers, who also gave up on him.
- He was forced to take a backup role with San Francisco just to salvage his career.
The Vikings signed him in March to be a veteran "bridge" quarterback for a rookie first-round pick, who later turned out to be J.J. McCarthy. The plan was for Darnold to start a few games or even a full season, but the job would be McCarthy's in 2025.
Yes, but: McCarthy was ruled out for the entire season due to a knee injury in August and Darnold has thrown a monkey wrench into everyone's plans, leading the team to an 11-2 record and posting the third-best rating of 45 qualified NFL quarterbacks.
- He now has the sixth-highest odds of winning the league's MVP award.
Between the lines: Darnold, who is only 27 years old, will be a free agent when the season ends. The Vikings will have to decide if they try to keep him around in 2025 and beyond, or stick with the plan and turn the franchise over to McCarthy.
The intrigue: Quarterback is the most important position in professional sports. If the Vikings have found a good one, should they really just let him walk away?
The other side: Darnold's stellar play has driven up the price it will cost to keep him, and in a league with a hard salary cap, spending big on the QB would constrain the team's ability to surround him with talented players.
- For comparison, former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield — who was also labeled a bust before turning it around in Tampa Bay — signed a three-year, $100 million contract last spring.
- McCarthy will be on a relatively cheap rookie contract for four more seasons and head coach Kevin O'Connell has earned a reputation as a quarterback whisperer.
What we're watching: The Vikings don't have to make any decisions until the season's over.
- Darnold's audition continues Monday night against Chicago at home, and could last as long as February if the team can put together a playoff run.
Watch: Monday Night Football starts at 7 pm on ESPN.
- Tickets on the secondary market start at around $160.