Could Sam Darnold be a suitable option to fill the role of the Broncos’ new quarterback?
In Las Vegas, Sam Darnold has been immersed in a high-level education in offensive football, particularly in reading defences and overall quarterback play, thanks to his time with the Shanahan-McVay coaching tree. He chose to sign with the San Francisco 49ers to learn from the source, hoping to contend for the starting job, but ultimately embraced the role of backup once Brock Purdy returned from injury.
Despite not starting, Darnold has been praised for his humility and work ethic. He joined the 49ers to gain stability and a strong foundation, which he had lacked previously. Darnold, a former No. 3 overall pick, still aims to demonstrate the potential that attracted teams like the Broncos in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Darnold’s understanding of the game has evolved significantly since joining the 49ers. He credits coaches like Kyle Shanahan and Brian Griese for helping him see the game in a new light, particularly in how he reads defenses and understands offensive schemes.
His skill set, which includes the ability to make all throws and a keen eye for exploiting defensive weaknesses, could make him a good fit for a coach like Sean Payton, known for successful quarterback projects. At just 26 years old, Darnold still has time to revitalize his career, making him an intriguing option for teams in need of a quarterback.