Jan 7, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
For the first time since 2017, Kirk Cousins will not be the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. Where does the team go from here?
The 35-year-old veteran agreed to terms on a four-year, $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons on Monday according to several reports. With their franchise quarterback out of the building, the Vikings will have the rest of the offseason to determine who they’ll turn to as their starter under center for 2024 (and beyond).
Minnesota’s three main options are sticking with in-house options, hitting the free agency market or taking a young quarterback in April’s NFL draft. The team may also go for some combination of those three.
Here’s where things currently stand for the Vikings after Cousins’ looming departure.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Minnesota may look to sign former Jets, Panthers and 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold in the coming hours and days.
Darnold, the former third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, started just one game for the 49ers: San Francisco’s Week 18 loss to the Rams this year. He also played significant time in the team’s Week 16 loss to the Ravens on Christmas Day.
In 2023, the 26 year old went 28-46 as a passer (60.9% completion rate) for 297 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Across the five games in which he attempted a pass, Darnold had a passer rating of 85.1, the second-highest of his career behind his six-game 2022 season.
