Another Big Sam Darnold Update Hits the Internet

Skol Nation is among the major topics in the NFL, with quarterback Sam Darnold potentially on his way out after his Pro Bowl campaign. The annual quarterback carousel is heating up, especially since the Las Vegas Raiders acquired ex-Seahawks passer Geno Smith via trade.

Another Big Sam Darnold Update Hits the Internet

The rumor mill has gone crazy about Darnold’s future. The latest updates suggested that he doesn’t have the expected market and, therefore, is still a candidate to remain with the Vikings at a discount.

On Saturday, however, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said not so fast. His tweet was as close to an official Darnold goodbye as it gets with free agency a couple of days away.

“With the Geno Smith trade opening a spot in Seattle, Sam Darnold is not expected to return to the Vikings, who are now focused on other options they’ve been pursuing in recent weeks, sources tell The Insiders. Those options include re-signing Daniel Jones, who is mulling multiple opportunities.”

Darnold was initially signed as either a bridge option for a year or at least until an incoming rookie would be ready to take the reins. That plan had to be changed when rookie J.J. McCarthy required season-ending knee surgery.

The subsequent season was nothing short of a miracle, as the previous bust suddenly played out of his mind, delivering 14 wins to the Twin Cities behind 35 passing touchdowns en route to the playoffs and the Pro Bowl.

That, of course, should lead to some interest as he has shown that he can be a starting quarterback in the league, something he hadn’t done prior to his stint with the Vikings. Teams like the Titans, Seahawks, Steelers, and Giants should be part of the Darnold sweepstakes on Monday when free agency opens with the legal tampering window.

The second part of Pelissero’s tweet was about Daniel Jones, who has been rumored to be in the mix as the veteran QB2 insurance for McCarthy. The Giants released him during the last season, and the Vikings took advantage, signing him to the practice squad and getting a headstart in evaluating him.

He could likely be had for a Darnold-like contract. Darnold played on a one-year contract for $10 million, and the Vikings have an excellent selling point by just pointing at their potentially departing QB and how they can help a passer revive his career.

Pelissero added that McCarthy would be ready to go soon, “Last year’s first-round pick, J.J. McCarthy, is expected to be cleared to practice this spring after missing his rookie season because of meniscus surgery. With Darnold on the way out, McCarthy’s time could be coming sooner than later. But they still want to add a veteran.”

McCarthy has drawn a ton of praise throughout his time with the Vikings, and the team surely liked him prior to drafting him because they traded up to secure his rights.

It will be fascinating to watch the leaguewide QB carousel unfold. The Vikings are right in the mix, as they need a new veteran quarterback.

Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.

Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt