Vikings QB Sam Darnold’s 2024 success shows his career is far from over

Sam Darnold added another chapter to his improbable comeback story. The Vikings’ QB1 led Minnesota to a 31-29 win over the rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday. 

Darnold also didn’t just do enough to win, but took charge of the Vikings offense, just as he has throughout the early portion of the 2024 season. 

Darnold threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns while posting an efficient 71.4 completion percentage via completing 20-of-28 passes. And while some might be surprised by Darnold’s success, what he accomplished in Week 4 is nothing new at this point. It’s what the former first-round draft pick has been doing all season. 

Darnold, who was only cast into the starting role after a serious injury to rookie J.J. McCarthy — the Vikings’ expected quarterback of the future, now has Minnesota among the few undefeated NFL teams through four games. He now has 932 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season. 

Even though there’s no guarantee Darnold keeps this up all season, he’s already making his case for Comeback Player of the Year. At only 27, Darnold is showing that he belongs as an NFL starting quarterback after all, too. 

Some have already even started speculating about a possible reunion with the Jets if Aaron Rodgers decides to retire. And speaking of the Jets, Darnold’s career resurgence lends credence to any argument that he was partly a victim of circumstance and bad luck. 

After being drafted by the Jets in 2018, Darnold became the youngest starting quarterback since the AFL-NFL merger when debuted on “Monday Night Football.” A foot injury only a few games then into his career derailed his rookie season. He eventually reclaimed his job, but only went 4-9 in his first season in the NFL. Darnold also scored only one more total touchdown (18) as he had turnovers (17), throwing 15 picks and surrendering two fumbles. 

Fast forward two years and the Jets gave up on Darnold following a miserable 2-10 record under center in 2020. Darnold did receive a second chance with the Carolina Panthers, but unfortunately for him, he just went from one struggling franchise to another. 

He would then share time with Cam Newton and Baker Mayfield throughout the next two seasons, but never enjoy any kind of note worthy individual or team success. 

Darnold did show some signs of life when he thew for 297 yards and a couple touchdown passes in one start with the 49ers in 2023, but few predicted he would pivot that into the season he’s having so far this year in his latest NFL home. 

If the Vikings turn to their 2024 first round draft pick in McCarthy at some point, Darnold would become an attractive option for any team in search of a quarterback if he’s made available. And there’s always the possibility Darnold forces Minnesota to change their future plans all together.