NFL reporter makes bold Sam Darnold comparison

NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports activities Illustrated believes quarterback Sam Darnold may resurrect his profession making a transfer from the San Francisco 49ers to the Minnesota Vikings in free company just like how Baker Mayfield turned a Comeback Participant of the Yr finalist after he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers final offseason.

“I’m not saying it’s possible, however primarily based on the best way he flashed in restricted motion final 12 months in San Francisco, the place he’s going, and who he’s taking part in for, I feel the concept that Sam Darnold might be this 12 months’s model of Baker Mayfield isn’t out of line,” Breer defined. “Darnold, by the best way, is a 12 months youthful now, at 26, than Mayfield was a 12 months in the past when he signed in Tampa.” 

Each Mayfield and Darnold entered the NFL through the 2018 draft, chosen Nos. 1 and three general, respectively. And each had been discarded by their first groups. Mayfield defeated Darnold in a contest for the Carolina Panthers’ beginning job in the summertime of 2022, however the two discovered themselves with totally different golf equipment final March. 

Mayfield signed a one-year “show it” contract with the Buccaneers roughly one 12 months in the past earlier than guiding them to a division title and a postseason win. Forward of reaching free company, the previous Oklahoma signal-caller agreed to a three-year contract with the Bucs that carries a most worth of $115M and $50M assured. 

Darnold, in the meantime, spent the majority of the 2023 marketing campaign as a backup with San Francisco and attempted simply 46 regular-season passes. He accomplished 28 of these throws for 297 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. 

After signing with San Francisco final spring, Darnold rapidly established a reputation for being a “gifted thrower of the soccer.” He finally impressed head coach Kyle Shanahan a lot that the Niners sent 2021 first-round draft choose Trey Lance to the Dallas Cowboys in alternate for a 2024 fourth-round alternative in late August. 

With Kirk Cousins set to depart Minnesota for the Atlanta Falcons, NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero (h/t Christian Gonzales) reported late Monday night time that Darnold was anticipated to signal a one-year deal value as much as $10M with $8.75M assured to affix the Vikings. 

On Wednesday, The Athletic reported that the Vikings “don’t have any plans to commerce All-Professional huge receiver Justin Jefferson” following Cousins’ departure, that means Darnold may thrive throwing passes to Jefferson as Mayfield did whereas focusing on Mike Evans all through the 2023 season.