(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
In the aftermath of a disastrous 2023 NFL season, which was derailed by injuries to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson, the Minnesota Vikings are hoping for a bounce-back year.
With Cousins leaving in NFL free agency to sign with the Atlanta Falcons, the Vikings are ushering in a new era, as they signed veteran journeyman Sam Darnold and drafted the future face of the franchise in rookie J.J. McCarthy out of the University of Michigan.
Although the Vikings have high hopes for McCarthy eventually becoming the star and leader they need under center, it appears Darnold might have the edge in the quarterback battle in Minnesota, as he has already built some much-needed chemistry with Jefferson, via The Purple Persuasion.
The bender continues for Sam Darnold. On another level today at practice.
Complete domination and the connection between him and Justin Jefferson is heating up more and more each day
pic.twitter.com/SolxqJd5qk
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 7, 2024
With Darnold having unsuccessful stints everywhere he has played in the NFL since coming out of the University of Southern California as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, it remains to be seen whether he can assume the role of a legitimate starter and get the job done on a consistent basis in Minnesota.
With a highly touted rookie behind him, Darnold won’t have much room for error as he starts fresh with the Vikings during the 2024 campaign.
However, he might be up to the task of proving his doubters wrong while finally finding the perfect spot for himself, as he’d be the ideal placeholder for McCarthy over the next couple of seasons, so the young quarterback can develop and potentially ascend to the starter’s role in the same way Jordan Love did last season with the rival Green Bay Packers when given his opportunity.
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