(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Sam Darnold may be about to run out of chances to jump-start his NFL career, but many expect him to lead the Minnesota Vikings right out of the gate in 2024.
The team said goodbye to Kirk Cousins in the offseason, and for most that meant a possibly long and tedious rebuild.
But the Vikings are blessed with tremendous talent at both wide receiver and tight end, and they also boast a sturdy pair of tackles for the offensive front.
And with Aaron Jones arriving from Green Bay, the rushing game should be solid.
Calling it Darnold’s “best-ever NFL situation,” insider Alec Lewis said he expects the quarterback to be the Week 1 starter and for that to continue “well into the season, depending on his health and performance.”
“Expect Sam Darnold to start for Minnesota in Week 1 and well into the season, depending on his health and performance.”says @alec_lewis.
“This is unquestionably Darnold’s best-ever NFL situation..”
If Darnold starts the whole season, what do you think his final statline will… pic.twitter.com/f0RxYX1qCz
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) June 17, 2024
He may well be right.
The 27-year-old USC product became the third pick of the 2018 NFL draft due to what most felt was vast potential to lead a successful NFL offense.
But that dream sputtered through three unsuccessful seasons with the Jets followed by two in Carolina and a backup role in San Francisco in 2023.
Darnold carries the baggage of having thrown 56 interceptions in only 56 starts, and his 21-35 overall record is hardly inspirational.
Then again, one must consider the franchises he toiled for.
The Jets have spent more than a decade on the outside of the NFL playoffs, and Carolina is as devoid of talent as any team in the league.
Darnold now has the keys to what may be a high-powered offense – IF it is led by the right quarterback.
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