QB SF
College: USC | 6 years
Height: 6'3" | Weight: 225 lbs
Birth Date: 6/5/1997
2024 Bye Week: 6
Total Pts: 28
Avg Pts: 1.65
Rank: 55 QB
Free Agent
Darnold was the top backup for the 49ers last year and started the last game of the season with the team resting their starters. Darnold completed 60.9 percent of his passes for the season and had 297 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He also ran in a score. Darnold signed with the Vikings this offseason and could be their starter to open the season, but he has rookie J.J. McCarthy to compete with for that job. Darnold has a great arm, can make plays down the field, and also moves around the pocket pretty well. He will turn the ball over, though, and struggles with accuracy.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Darnold just hasn't progressed as expected but could get one last chance this season - at least early in the year. Once again, he might be worth a few spot starts in what could be a good Vikings offense.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is clearly not viewed as the "quarterback of the future" after the team selected Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he is in line to potentially start the entire season following McCarthy's season-ending knee surgery. Although he won't be high on the single-QB radar, he's worth a late-round selection in Superflex and two-QB leagues. The former No. 3 overall pick by the New York Jets has thrown just 63 touchdowns to 56 interceptions in his first six NFL seasons, but he'll get the chance to throw to Justin Jefferson,Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson (when he returns from a torn ACL), which gives him a shot at spike-week upside. Last season, journeyman signal-caller Nick Mullens posted three games of at least 19 fantasy points in five starts. Darnold could reasonably put up similar showings throughout the 2024 campaign, but it'd be a surprise if he cracks top-24 QB status when the season ends.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is clearly not viewed as the "quarterback of the future" after the team selected Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he is in line to potentially start the entire season following McCarthy's season-ending knee surgery. Although he won't be high on the single-QB radar, he's worth a late-round selection in Superflex and two-QB leagues. The former No. 3 overall pick by the New York Jets has thrown just 63 touchdowns to 56 interceptions in his first six NFL seasons, but he'll get the chance to throw to Justin Jefferson,Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson (when he returns from a torn ACL), which gives him a shot at spike-week upside. Last season, journeyman signal-caller Nick Mullens posted three games of at least 19 fantasy points in five starts. Darnold could reasonably put up similar showings throughout the 2024 campaign, but it'd be a surprise if he cracks top-24 QB status when the season ends.
Fantasy Week | Pts | Scoring |
---|---|---|
Week 1 | 0 | |
Week 2 | 0 | |
Week 3 | 0 | |
Week 4 | 0 | |
Week 5 | 0 | |
Week 6 | 0 | |
Week 7 | 0 | |
Week 8 | 0 | |
Week 9 | 0 | |
Week 10 | 0 | |
Week 11 | 0 | |
Week 12 | 0 | |
Week 13 | 0 | |
Week 14 | 0 | |
Playoff Week 1 | 0 | |
Playoff Week 2 | 10 | Sam Darnold 1 interception thrown (-2 pts) Sam Darnold 12 yd TD pass (3 pts) Sam Darnold 1 passing TD (6 pts) . . . Sam Darnold 12 yd TD pass to Ronnie Bell Sam Darnold 81 passing yds (3 pts) |
Playoff Week 3 | 0 |
After the news of Minnesota Vikings rookie first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) being out for the season after undergoing season-ending knee surgery, head coach Kevin O'Connell was effusive in his praise for starting quarterback Sam Darnold. "Our football team has been and will continue to be excited about Sam Darnold and what he's been able to bring," O'Connell stated before the beginning of the team's joint practice with the Cleveland Browns. Darnold is now pressed into action for what looks to be the entirety of 2024 following the stunning injury news about the 2024 No. 10 overall pick McCarthy. While the excitement in fantasy circles for the former first-round pick Darnold is somewhat shaky, he's clearly in the best situation he's been in as a pro. Darnold is at worst a low-end streaming QB2 option in redraft leagues and a low-end QB2/high-end QB3 in superflex formats.
From RotoBaller
With Minnesota Vikings rookie first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) scheduled to under knee surgery, Sam Darnold is now squarely in line to be the team's opening-day starting QB in Week 1 against the New York Giants. Even if McCarthy was fully healthy, Darnold was expected to open as Minnesota's starting signal-caller, but the 27-year-old former first-rounder should have a longer leash now, especially if McCarthy needs a full meniscus repair. Darnold has been handling most of the first-team reps in training camp, and now he'll get even more with McCarthy sidelined. Fantasy managers aren't going to be expecting much from Darnold after he was a bust with the New York Jets, but he could pass as a serviceable low-end QB2 in superflex leagues with the best supporting cast on offense he's ever had in his career.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that the team will play the majority of their players in the preseason opener on Saturday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Quarterback Sam Darnold will start under center, and then rookie first-rounder J.J. McCarthy will get "a significant amount of work." Jaren Hall will come in after McCarthy. Nick Mullens, who has the most experience in the system, might not play much but will get more playing time later in the preseason. Unsurprisingly, Darnold, a former first-rounder himself, was listed atop the team's preseason depth chart and is fully expected to open the year as the starter as the Vikings slowly develop McCarthy as the long-term starter at QB. The 27-year-old Darnold is in the best offense talent-wise of his career, but he still won't be much more than a low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy formats.
From RotoBaller
The Minnesota Vikings have listed Sam Darnold as their starting quarterback on the first unofficial depth chart, with rookie J.J. McCarthy and Nick Mullens tied for the backup spot. While preseason depth charts can be fluid, Darnold's placement as the starter matches the reports from Vikings beat writers throughout the summer. Notably, the chart lists "McCarthy or Nick Mullens" as the primary backups behind Darnold. Darnold has consistently taken first-team reps from the offseason program through the first two weeks of training camp. The Vikings signed Darnold to a one-year deal worth up to $10 million, with $8.75 million guaranteed, indicating their intent to give him the initial opportunity to start despite using their first-round pick on McCarthy. For fantasy purposes, the critical question is how well Darnold connects with Justin Jefferson, which will influence Jefferson's value as a first-round pick. Darnold, meanwhile, is expected to be a low-end QB2 in two-quarterback leagues.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold is listed as the starting quarterback on the depth chart for the preseason opener.
Fantasy Spin: There's still time for J.J. McCarthy to overtake him. In any event, Darnold is a weak QB2 that is really only an option in leagues that start two QBs.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers QB Sam Darnold (quadriceps) will be sidelined for a few weeks because of a quadriceps injury, according to head coach Dave Canales.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw and the team have agreed on a four-year contract extension worth up to $113 million, with $77 million in guaranteed money for the franchise tackle. A foundational piece for the Vikings since joining the team as a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Virginia Tech Hokie has started 39 of 41 games in three seasons. The pact for the 25-year-old Darrisaw includes $43.7 million at signing and will keep him in purple and gold for the foreseeable future as a protector for Sam Darnold and rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold will receive a majority of the snaps with the first-team offense when training camp practices start, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. O'Connell said QB J.J. McCarthy will also receive work with the starting offense.
Fantasy Spin: It seems like Darnold is on track to be the Week 1 starting quarterback, but fantasy players can keep an eye on the situation over the next several weeks. He should be considered a No. 2 fantasy quarterback if he wins the job.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that quarterback Sam Darnold will take the majority of the first-team QB snaps in training camp this summer, although rookie first-rounder J.J. McCarthy will get some first-team work as well. This isn't breaking news, as the Vikings announced in early June that Darnold, a former first-rounder himself, would head to camp as the QB1 as they look to give McCarthy plenty of time to develop as their potential franchise signal-caller. Darnold looked sharp in offseason workouts and is working with the best supporting cast of his career in Minnesota. His fantasy stock is on the rise as a QB2 in fantasy and is ranked as the No. 17 QB by RotoBaller. However, Darnold is going to need to perform well in 2024 in his first year in Minnesota if he wants to hold off McCarthy all season long.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | At this point in time, Sam Darnold appears to be the QB1 in Minnesota. Dynasty Analysis: Of all the "rookie quarterback battles" (those are usually nothing more than fake competitions), this one seems pretty legitimate. JJ McCarthy still has some work to do and Darnold seems to be more than capable enough to hold down the fort until he's ready. Darnold clearly looks like he has one more chance to prove he's a starting quarterback in the league and while that may come in an early season audition for other teams while he keeps the seat warm for McCarthy, there is still dynasty value by having him on a roster.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that he'd call quarterback Sam Darnold his No. 1 QB at the moment this offseason, even though the Vikings haven't had to put out a depth chart yet in 2024. It's not a surprise with the team slow-playing first-rounder J.J. McCarthy's development during offseason workouts. On top of it, the 27-year-old Darnold has looked really good at mandatory minicamp and has taken all of the first-team repetitions to this point. All signs point to Darnold seeing most of the first-team reps in training camp this summer, too, before opening the regular season as the starter under center in Minnesota. While the Vikings offense could be the best that Darnold has ever worked with, he'll be a low-end QB2, at best, in superflex leagues in 2024. McCarthy, meanwhile, will have his chance to prove he's the starter in 2024 as well, but he's more of a dynasty/keeper asset for now.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Vikings currently have Sam Darnold as their QB1. Dynasty Analysis: Noted. It seems Minnesota will attempt to create a competition between Darnold and rookie JJ McCarthy, a competition McCarthy will almost assuredly win. Darnold looked like he had a chance for another legitimate shot at starting but the drafting of McCarthy has thrown a big bucket of cold water on that sentiment. It's hard to see him holding this spot for long in training camp. Darnold is roster worthy in 2QB leagues but a tough hold in 1QB formats.
Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold is the leading candidate for the starting quarterback job at this point, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell.
Fantasy Spin: Darnold will compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job during training camp, so fantasy players will need to keep an eye on the situation. The winner of the job probably should be considered a No. 2 quarterback in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has looked calm, confident and prepared at the team's mandatory minicamp this week for what is likely to be another starting opportunity for him in the NFL to start the 2024 season. Darnold's consistency has stood out all week, and he's shown good chemistry with top receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. He also took every first-team repetition over rookie first-rounder J.J. McCarthy, who is being eased in while learning new concepts. "This is the best team he's been on. This is the best system for him. He's hopefully going to find the ceiling of his play this season for us," defensive tackle Harrison Phillips said. The 27-year-old former first-rounder is going to need to play well to hold off McCarthy in 2024, but if he's the starter, Darnold will have QB2 appeal in superflex leagues given the talent that he's working with on offense.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold's 'consistency' stood out during the three days of OTAs, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic.
Fantasy Spin: Darnold has a good chance to open the year as the starter, but with J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings, Darnold has a limited shelf life. At best, Darnold could be a serviceable QB2 for a portion of the season.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold could be named the team's Week 1 starter over first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. As Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com writes, "It's only a matter of time before McCarthy becomes the Vikings' starting quarterback [...] but it is not likely to happen as quickly as some fans might hope, and if anything, the Vikings are poised to err on the side of methodical caution." Such a scenario could see Minnesota let Darnold, whom they signed this past offseason when Kirk Cousins left for Atlanta, start a few games before transitioning to McCarthy. Darnold has struggled to support major fantasy production from his playmakers at previous stops, including the Jets and Panthers, so fantasy managers might want to temper expectations with players like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson to start the year. Darnold himself falls to the low-end QB3 tier in fantasy football drafts.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Minnesota Vikings drafted Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy with the tenth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: There was a lot of smoke about McCarthy being taken in the top five but he ended up falling to tenth pick where Minnesota was happy to scoop him up. The Vikings will likely hold an open competition between McCarthy and Sam Darnold but it certainly looks like McCarthy has been pegged as the future for the franchise. His upside is debatable in dynasty leagues as McCarthy may not be the most dynamic player in the draft but he does seem like one of the safer options. He looks like a late second or early third round pick in rookie drafts.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that he's happy to have veteran quarterback Sam Darnold on the team this year. "I think his best football is ahead of him because of how he handled the last couple of years," O'Connell said. The Vikings head coach points out that he saw growth with Darnold's fundamentals as he worked as Brock Purdy's backup in San Francisco last year, and he's excited to get to work with him in Minnesota. The Vikings signed the former first-rounder to a one-year, $10 million deal this offseason, and depending on what the team does in the upcoming NFL draft, Darnold could open the year as the starter under center in Week 1. He'll have one of the best receivers in the game in Justin Jefferson to work with if he's starting, but Darnold will still be a midrange QB2, at best, in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, free-agent QB Sam Darnold (49ers) officially agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings Wednesday, March 13. Financial terms were not disclosed, but an earlier report stated the deal is worth as much as $10 million.
From TheHuddle
Dynasty | The Vikings have signed quarterback Sam Darnold. Dynasty Analysis: This was about the best outcome possible for Darnold, who is currently the de facto starter for the Vikings, who lost Kirk Cousins to Atlanta. Darnold has been in some of the worst situations imaginable during his time in the league with stops in New York (Jets), Carolina, and San Francisco. His career totals of 12,064 passing yards with a 63:56 touchdown-to-interception ratio are serviceable and could even be deemed as admirable based on the rosters he's dealt with. While the Vikings are likely to add a rookie to the fold, Darnold looks like he may have one more chance at carving out dynasty value.
NFL Week | Opp | Pts | Pass Com | Pass Att | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | 300 Yds | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Fum Lost | Int |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 Season | 28 | 28 | 297 | 2 | |||||||
Week 1 | @PIT | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 2 | @LAR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 3 | NYG | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 4 | ARI | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 5 | DAL | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | ||||||
Week 6 | @CLE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 7 | @MIN | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 8 | CIN | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 9 | bye | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 10 | @JAX | 0 | 1 | 6 | 0 | ||||||
Week 11 | TB | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 12 | @SEA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 13 | @PHI | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 14 | SEA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 15 | @ARI | 0 | 2 | 20 | 0 | ||||||
Week 16 | BAL | 10 | 8 | 81 | 1 | ||||||
Week 17 | @WAS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 18 | LAR | 18 | 16 | 189 | 1 | ||||||
Divisional | GB | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Championship | DET | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Superbowl | @KC | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |