Vikings expected to sign QB Sam Darnold to one-year deal worth up to $10 million
Sam Darnold has a trip to Minnesota planned.
It has been reported by NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero on Monday night that the Vikings are expected to sign the veteran quarterback to a one-year contract worth up to $10 million, with $8.75 million guaranteed.
Darnold now has a chance for a fresh start and could even start for head coach Kevin O’Connell after Kirk Cousins agreed to a four-year deal with the Falcons.
Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft, is set to play on his fourth NFL team heading into his seventh season. In 66 games played, Darnold has thrown for 12,064 passing yards, 63 touchdowns and 63 interceptions with 56 career starts.
Following three seasons with the Jets, Darnold was traded to the Panthers, where he started two seasons with an 8-9 record. After signing with the 49ers, Darnold faced Trey Lance for the backup position. Due to Darnold’s victory in the competition, San Francisco traded Lance to the Cowboys prior to the 2023 campaign.
Darnold started the final regular season game against the Rams in 2023 and made 10 appearances overall. In the game’s last minute, he completed 16 of 26 throws for 189 yards and a touchdown.
After losing a franchise quarterback in Cousins, the Vikings have quickly acted to sign Darnold as a potential stopgap addition with the potential of finding their future franchise QB in next month’s draft.
