Former New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold won’t return to the Vikings next as the team explores other options. According to the report, the quarterback position is already shaking up the entire league after the Seahawks traded Geno Smith to the Raiders. It’s easy to see why the Vikings as Darnold and Seattle have mutual interest and if that happens, Minnesota will either stick with J.J. McCarthy or sign another veteran while he develops. It should surprise many that the Vikings are considering other options for their signal-caller when they have McCarthy on their roster.
However, after suffering a season-ending injury in rookie year during the offseason, the Vikings are in no rush to bring him back as their starter. Meanwhile, Darnold after signing a one-year deal with Minnesota used this opportunity to his advantage after establishing his free agent stock value. Originally selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former USC product had a career year last season, recording 4,319 yards, 39 touchdowns, and a 66.2 completion percentage. Darnold helped the Vikings to at least a wild-card going 14-3 but plans fell apart since the organization was confident he would lead them to probably an NFC Championship Game.
REPORT: “Resurgent” Veteran Sam Darnold Not Expected Back With Vikings – Seahawks, Saints, Giants Leading Candidates?
Seahawks Most Logical Fit
After trading Geno Smith in a surprise send-off, the Seahawks find themselves in a busy offseason rebuilding their offense under head coach Mike Macdonald. This wasn’t the only player to depart from Seattle but the Seahawks let go of long-time Tyler Lockett and put DK Metcalf on the trade block. It would leave wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to expect a fresh new team to establish his stomping grounds in the aerial attack. However, it’s easy to see why the Seahawks have an interest in Darnold after his career year with the Vikings.
Seattle has yet to find a successful quarterback since parting ways with Russell Wilson who helped the team to a Super Bowl trip in his long-term tenure. It looks like the Seahawks have the same vision from Darnold who could become a valuable asset to have a quarterback. As of this posting, Darnold is a significant upgrade from Smith who was entering the final year of his contract either way. Sam Howell is still on this roster but for the sake of this post, the Seahawks are looking for a quarterback who will lead them far in the postseason.
Other Fits
It shouldn’t surprise anyone if Darnold receives interest from plenty of teams this free agency. One team that could emerge as a potential suitor is the New Orleans Saints even though Derek Carr is returning. General Manager Mickey Loomis loves that Carr is back but the decision will be up to head coach Kellen Moore this season and they will switch quarterbacks if needed. However, Spencer Rattler isn’t ready for full-time duties so it’s safe to sign Darnold to a lucrative deal to see how he fits in this scheme.
For the Giants, the team needs a winning quarterback and the team could use Darnold in that category. New York has interest in Aaron Rodgers but as he’s aging, the team probably won’t make it far. After re-signing Tommy DeVito, the Giants should sign Darnold to get the team back in the postseason for the first time in a while.
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