Sam Darnold Named Starting QB for Vikings
In a significant shake-up for the Minnesota Vikings, Sam Darnold has been confirmed as their starting quarterback. Darnold steps into the role with a clear mandate to lead the Vikings' offense after Kirk Cousins, a fixture for several years, departs from the position. This change comes ahead of the regular season opener at MetLife Stadium on September 8.
Darnold's journey to this pivotal role has been anything but straightforward. Drafted No. 3 overall out of USC in 2018 by the New York Jets, Darnold's early years in the league were fraught with challenges. Over three seasons with the Jets, Darnold posted a 13-25 record as a starter. Despite flashes of brilliance, consistency eluded him, eventually leading to his trade to the Carolina Panthers in 2021.
In Carolina, Darnold's fortunes did not dramatically improve, and his career took another turn when he spent a season as Brock Purdy's backup with the San Francisco 49ers. Now, at 27 years old, Darnold finds himself with the Vikings, a team fraught with its own recent quarterback challenges. The opportunity to replace Cousins and revive his career is one he clearly relishes.
One of the factors contributing to this newfound confidence is the abundance of playmakers surrounding Darnold in Minnesota—something he notably lacked during his tenure with the Jets. His former teammate, Andrew Van Ginkel, observed significant growth in Darnold, stating, "He's a lot more comfortable. He's got a lot more playmakers now than he did with the [New York] 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."
Van Ginkel's comments highlight a critical evolution in Darnold's approach to the game. The quarterback's experience and maturity now position him not just as a team leader but as a strategic mind capable of navigating high-pressure situations. "To see his growth, his maturity, how far he's come as a pro, is unmatched," Van Ginkel added, underscoring the transformative impact of these years in the NFL on Darnold.
The Vikings' decision to install Darnold as the starter also follows a season-ending knee injury to J.J. McCarthy, suffered during the 2024 NFL preseason. McCarthy's injury undoubtedly forced the Vikings' hand, but it also opened the door for Darnold to seize this critical moment in his career.
As the regular season looms, all eyes will be on Darnold and his ability to integrate with the Vikings’ offensive unit. For a player who has faced more than his share of adversity, this opportunity represents a fresh start, one filled with potential and the promise of redemption.