Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is pressured out of the pocket and compelled to run through the second quarter an NFL soccer matchup Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Vikings defeated the Jaguars 12-7. © Corey Perrine/Florida Instances-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Photos.
With Sam Darnold touchdown in Seattle, the Minnesota Vikings have lastly made their assertion on the veteran quarterback. He was introduced in on a one-year deal value $10 million, and Kevin O’Connell helped him earn a way more profitable payday.
The Sam Darnold Offseason Saga Lastly Ends
It’s unlucky that the Vikings couldn’t discover a commerce accomplice to tag and flip Darnold with, however that is the correct final result. Minnesota proved that the touchdown spot was the rationale for Darnold’s success, and now it’s on him to show that it’s repeatable elsewhere.
The Seattle Seahawks moved on from Geno Smith. That opened a chance for Darnold, and he jumped at it. How he’ll fare with out expertise like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison stays to be seen. The Seahawks additionally just lately traded high huge receiver D.Ok. Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It’s not as if Seattle is an entire dumpster fireplace within the vein of New York or Carolina, however Darnold will now face a large uphill battle. The weapons round him are comparatively restricted. Quite than being propped up by these items as he was in Minnesota, he now should elevate the components.
Steven Bisig-Imagn Photos.
Final 12 months, the Vikings used a first-round draft choose on J.J. McCarthy. It could have been loopy to increase Darnold on a long-term deal for large cash simply after lastly having the chance to reset that cap scenario as probably the most essential place.
At this level, it seems as if head coach Kevin O’Connell will wager on himself and his younger quarterback because the Vikings transfer into the subsequent part of rivalry. They might take a slight step again within the win division, however it could be silly to wager in opposition to McCarthy if somebody nearly as good as O’Connell is decided to make him work.
The Vikings can be pleased about what Darnold did final season. They may also be comfortable he obtained the payday and moved on to a different group. Perhaps the concept they have been ever considering bringing him again was only a smokescreen, however a minimum of we don’t should preserve listening to about it.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that’s targeted on all issues Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s lively on Twitter and writes each day for Minnesota Sports activities Fan. As a former school athlete and avid sports activities fan, protecting our professional groups with a ardour has at all times appeared like such a pure outlet.
