As the Minnesota Vikings prepare for the upcoming NFL season, one change stands out among the rest: Sam Darnold has been named the starting quarterback. This marks the latest chapter in a career that has had its share of ups and downs for the 27-year-old signal-caller from USC.
Drafted No. 3 overall by the New York Jets in 2018, Darnold entered the league with high expectations. However, his time at the Jets was anything but smooth. Over three seasons, Darnold compiled a 13-25 record as a starter, struggling to find consistency in an offense that often lacked the necessary playmakers. The Jets’ decision to move on from Darnold came in 2021 when they traded him to the Carolina Panthers, a move that many expected would be the fresh start he needed.
A Career in Transition
Darnold’s stint with the Panthers had its moments but ultimately did not lead to a long-term commitment from the organization. By 2023, he found himself as a backup quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers, serving behind Brock Purdy. While the experience was brief, it provided Darnold with an opportunity to learn and grow in a new environment.
Now, as he steps into the role of starting quarterback for the Vikings, Darnold brings with him a wealth of experience garnered from each stop along his NFL journey. His ascent to the starting job coincides with the unfortunate sidelining of J.J. McCarthy, who suffered a season-ending knee injury during the 2024 NFL preseason.
A New Beginning in Minnesota
Replacing Kirk Cousins, a longtime fixture in the Vikings’ lineup, Darnold is tasked with leading a team that has high hopes for the season ahead. The regular season kicks off at MetLife Stadium on September 8, presenting Darnold with an opportunity to make a strong impression right out of the gate.
His new teammates have already taken note of his growth and command on the field. “He's a lot more comfortable. He's got a lot more playmakers now than he did with the Jets. You can tell he's a vet. He's been in this league for a while. He understands who he is, how he can manipulate defenses or get the ball to his playmakers in space,” remarked Andrew Van Ginkel, underscoring Darnold’s readiness to embrace his new role.
Van Ginkel further praised Darnold by stating, “To see his growth, his maturity, how far he's come as a pro, is unmatched.” Such endorsements from teammates suggest that Darnold’s presence is already being felt in the locker room, and his leadership could prove invaluable as the Vikings look to navigate a competitive season.
The Road Ahead
Darnold’s journey to this point has been one of learning and adaptation. His tenure with the Jets, Panthers, and 49ers has equipped him with a broader perspective on what it takes to succeed in the NFL. Minnesota presents a new frontier, and with it, an opportunity for Darnold to redefine his career narrative.
Given the volatility and pressures inherent in the role of an NFL quarterback, Darnold’s ability to remain focused and resilient will be crucial. He now has an arsenal of playmakers and a supportive environment, creating a setting ripe for success. The upcoming season will be a litmus test for both Darnold and the Vikings, who aim to capitalize on this fresh start.
The stage is set, and as the opening game approaches, all eyes will be on Sam Darnold. Can he harness his experience and talent to lead the Vikings to a successful campaign? Only time will tell, but the groundwork has been laid for what could be a defining season in his career.