A top quality NFL beginning quarterback? For many of the yr, Sam Darnold regarded the half—proper up till he didn’t.
Remnants of Darnold’s frigid end are troublesome to neglect, pooled round him like a moat due to the importance of the 2 losses to Minnesota, ensuing from his ice-cold performances.
After 13 video games with a passer score of 100-plus and 14 wins in his first 16 video games with the Vikings, Darnold crashed within the winner-take-all regular-season finale at Detroit for the NFC North title. He accomplished 18 of 41 passes (43.9%) and averaged 4.05 yards per cross with a 55.5 passer score. Quite than the No. 1 seed within the NFC playoffs, the 14-win Vikings packed for a wild-card highway sport in opposition to NFC West winner Los Angeles (in Arizona). Playoff Sam wasn’t a lot better: 25 of 40 and sacked 9 occasions.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell proclaimed the Vikings would welcome Darnold again and tried a public-facing protection of Darnold’s nosedive, advising the general public to evaluate the quarterback on his physique of labor within the 2024 season.
Actuality is, Darnold misplaced a major amount of cash in these two highlight video games and enters free company in full turmoil. Groups will view the physique of labor as one factor, and his displaying below the burden of playoff strain as an unforgettable reality.
Can Darnold win video games within the NFL? Definitely. Will he win when it issues? Ehhhhhh.
The very best paths ahead for Darnold are these with out the assure of a No. 1 job. He might do nicely within the position he was signed by the Vikings to fill: bridge quarterback and mentor for first-round choose J.J. McCarthy.
Starter cash disappeared in Detroit, and no matter was left went up in flames in Arizona in opposition to the Rams.
Listed below are 5 groups that might dial up Darnold as a stopgap in 2025.
1. Tennessee Titans
Aug 25, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Tennessee Titans helmet in opposition to the New Orleans Saints in the course of the first half at Caesars Superdome. Necessary Credit score: Stephen Lew-Imagn Photographs No person expects the Titans to torpedo the AFC South after posting the league’s worst file in 2024. And no one is aware of if Will Levis will get one other likelihood to show he can deal with the trials of the place at this degree. Darnold regarded able to serving to Tennessee with a 3-0 file in opposition to the division final season and a win over the Titans in Nashville. He’d be aligned with one other coach from the Sean McVay teaching tree—Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco, O’Connell in Minnesota—with Brian Callahan, who helped develop Joe Burrow in Cincinnati.
2. Cleveland Browns
Dec 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski in the course of the second quarter in opposition to the Denver Broncos at Empower Subject at Mile Excessive. Necessary Credit score: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Photographs Kevin Stefanski took the Browns to the playoffs with Joe Flacco recent from the sofa in 2023. With a fortified offensive line, Darnold might maintain up nicely till Cleveland has a greater possibility. However he’s extra of a managed, anticipatory passer who benefited from indoor environs in Minnesota. He doesn’t have the rocket-launcher throwing arm of Flacco or Jameis Winston or the mobility to do a lot exterior the pocket.
3. Indianapolis Colts
Dec 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) runs previous the sort out of Denver Broncos defensive sort out Malcolm Roach (97) within the second quarter at Empower Subject at Mile Excessive. Necessary Credit score: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Photographs This isn’t an ideal match, contemplating the Colts designed an offense for a 6-foot-4, 250-pound quarterback who’s a vastly higher runner than passer in Anthony Richardson. However GM Chris Ballard promised competitors, and the 2025 draft must be about playmakers, cross rush and offensive line assist.
4. New York Giants
Jan 5, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll walks onto the sector after loss to Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Monetary Subject. Necessary Credit score: Eric Hartline-Imagn Photographs Brian Daboll could make it work with a play-action passer. Darnold on a no-promises contract would not less than give the Giants choices getting into the draft.
5. New York Jets
Nov 10, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) passes in opposition to the Arizona Cardinals in the course of the second half at State Farm Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Photographs New coach Aaron Glenn authored the Week 18 sport plan—then as Lions defensive coordinator—that resulted in Darnold’s free company demise. However Darnold practically bought one of the best of him in a 31-29 loss to the Lions on Oct. 20.