Anonymous NFL Coaches + Execs Not Buying Sam Darnold Hype From Vikings

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Sam Darnold at Minnesota Vikings' organized team activities - practice No. 8
Photo courtesy of Andy Kenutis via Vikings.com

The Minnesota Vikings future QB plan doesn’t include Sam Darnold. For now though, he is their present. J.J. McCarthy won’t be back for the Vikings in 2024. Kevin O’Connell is ready for Darnold to harness the best situation of his career, but those whose job is to evaluate, pinpoint and develop talent around the NFL still aren’t seeing it.

Can Sam Darnold be what the Minnesota Vikings need?

Darnold has a track record of poor performance, and that is clearly influencing what those around the league think of him. The Athletic recently polled 50 executives and coaches to determine quarterback tiers. Darnold’s placement wasn’t pretty.

“He played before he was ready in New York, and then Carolina was a rough deal. He got himself back on course with the 49ers. That was healthy for him.”

Anonymous head coach

“He has been with multiple teams, and we are still waiting for the guy. He’s just jittery, man.”

An anonymous defensive coordinator

Out of the 30 quarterbacks ranked by Sando’s anonymous NFL decision makers, New England Patriots starter (maybe) Jacoby Brissett was ranked lower. Darnold did get some Tier 2 votes, but also received the most Tier 5 votes of any quarterback.

Related: Good Luck Sneaking Jaren Hall onto Vikings Practice Squad Now

Minnesota Vikings want to be the answer for Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold’s career thus far has largely been a result of poor circumstances. He is now in an ideal situation with the Minnesota Vikings. Kevin O’Connell is hoping that reality will make all of the difference. If the players around Darnold boost his performance, then there should be legitimate belief he could jump up a tier or two.

“Sometimes I think he’s a 3 in the right situation. It would not surprise me if he has a decent year with Kevin (O’Connell). I’m teetering between 3 and 5. I’ll go out on a limb and say he’s a 3 this year.”

Anonymous executive

KOC needs his 2024 QB1 to run his offense efficiently. Most importantly, he needs him to trust his instincts and make good decisions. Those two things are not always synonymous with one another.

Baker Mayfield was in a similar scenario to Darnold before he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He capitalized on that opportunity and has revitalized his career because of it. If the Vikings can get the most out of Darnold, then he should be in a situation to benefit next offseason as well.

Related:Multiple UDFA Defensive Linemen Projected to Make Vikings 53-Man

It’s impossible to give Darnold’s track record the benefit of doubt. That said, he could quickly change the narrative and highlight just how important it is to have an ideal foundation. No one expects the Vikings to make noise this year, and that could help the veteran signal caller to play loose.

Maybe a year from now Darnold can look back at these rankings and laugh.

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