The Minnesota Vikings are poised to captivate audiences in 2024, having recently made significant moves in free agency. Notably, they secured the services of former Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones, who joins after being released for rejecting a pay cut. This acquisition is set to strengthen the Vikings’ running game, which languished as the fourth weakest in the NFL last season.
While their running game appears to have improved on paper this offseason, concerns loom over their passing game. Four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins departed for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency, leaving the Vikings without a proven starting quarterback. Despite the subsequent signing of Sam Darnold, his performance in the NFL thus far has been underwhelming, casting doubt on his ability to fill the void left by Cousins.
The Minnesota Vikings Cannot Depend on Sam Darnold to Lead the Offense in 2024
There was a time when Sam Darnold was anticipated to emerge as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. The New York Jets certainly held this belief when they selected the former USC standout with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
However, Darnold failed to meet expectations. In his rookie season, he managed a 57.7% completion rate, 2,865 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, and a passer rating of 77.6 in 13 starts. While he showed slight improvement in 2019, recording a 61.9% completion rate, 3,024 yards, 19 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and an 84.3 passer rating in 13 games, his performance declined in 2020. That season, he posted a 59.6% completion rate, 2,208 passing yards, nine touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a passer rating of 72.7 in 12 starts, leading to his trade to the Carolina Panthers.
Unfortunately, Darnold’s struggles persisted in Carolina, where he registered a 58.6% completion rate, nine touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and a passer rating of 71.9 in 12 games (11 starts) during his first season with the team. His subsequent stint with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, backing up Brock Purdy, did little to revive his career. Therefore, relying on Darnold to elevate the Vikings’ offense seems precarious given his inconsistent performance and lack of demonstrated improvement over the years.
PFF Advocates for the Minnesota Vikings to Trade Up for Drake Maye in the 2024 NFL Draft
Recently, the Vikings acquired the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft from the Houston Texans. In this exchange, they relinquished the 42nd overall pick (second round) in this year’s draft, a 2024 sixth-round pick (188 overall), and a 2025 second-round pick. They also gained a 2024 seventh-round pick in the deal.
With two first-round picks, 11 and 23 overall, some speculate that the team may use the 11th pick to select a second-tier quarterback like JJ McCarthy. However, others, including PFF’s Trevor Sikkema, suggest the team should combine the two picks to move up and draft UNC’s Drake Maye:
“Given Kirk Cousins’ substantial contract with the Atlanta Falcons, the Vikings are in search of their next franchise quarterback – with respect to Sam Darnold on a one-year deal. Currently positioned at No. 11, they are out of range for Drake Maye. Nevertheless, with the recent acquisition of the No. 23 pick, they appear to be considering a trade-up. Maye’s exceptional arm talent warrants investment.”
While Maye would be an ideal complement to wide receiver Justin Jefferson, the question remains whether Minnesota can persuade a team like the Washington Commanders (holding the second overall pick) or the New England Patriots (possessing the third overall pick) to delay selecting their own quarterback. Nonetheless, two first-round picks may suffice to broker a deal.
