The Minnesota Vikings are preparing for the possibility of Kirk Cousins leaving in free agency, and one potential replacement on their radar is Sam Darnold, according to discussions on SKOR North’s “Mackey and Judd” podcast.
If Baker Mayfield, their top target, doesn’t become available, the Vikings might explore Darnold as a young, upside option. Despite Darnold’s past challenges as a third overall pick with three different teams in four years, there is interest in his potential.
Darren Wolfson, from KSTP, noted that there is genuine interest in Darnold, positioning him near the top of the Vikings’ list for a veteran bridge quarterback while they continue to consider a first-round rookie quarterback for the long term. Darnold, at 26, still has room to turn his career around, following a path similar to Geno Smith, who overcame early struggles with a Pro Bowl-level season in 2022.
Darnold, known for his arm strength and accuracy since his USC days in 2018, showcased promise after being traded to the Carolina Panthers. Despite a preseason injury and initially losing the starting job to Baker Mayfield, Darnold impressed when given the opportunity, finishing the season 4-2. His experience under Kyle Shanahan’s coaching in San Francisco also adds to his appeal.
While acknowledging that replacing Cousins with Darnold might be a step back at the quarterback position, there’s speculation that the Vikings could benefit from the cap savings Darnold offers.
Former NFL executive Randy Mueller believes that Darnold’s $10 million cap number, compared to Cousins potentially commanding $45 million per year, could allow the team to build a stronger overall roster.
Darnold’s affordable one-year deal with the 49ers, worth $4.5 million, is considered a reasonable offer for the Vikings to extend. With the prospect of Darnold competing for the starting job alongside an incoming rookie quarterback, the Vikings are exploring their options in the ever-changing landscape of the NFL offseason.
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