Could the Minnesota Vikings see a renaissance from quarterback Sam Darnold this season? It's very possible and something we've outlined multiple times for numerous reasons.
For starters, it's immediately the best situation that Darnold will have had as a starting quarterback. Yes, Darnold did spend time with the San Francisco 49ers last season as a backup quarterback with the likes of Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey. However, it wasn't as a starting quarterback.
Darnold will inherit the likes of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones and T.J. Hockenson to make plays in all phases. It's also why some in the media believe that Darnold can finally reach his potential.
One NFL analyst believes that Darnold will take that next step: former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkurt.
If Sam Darnold starts every game for the Vikings he will throw for more yards than Caleb Williams this season.
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) June 26, 2024
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More production than first overall NFL Draft pick Williams is both a bold claim and one that makes complete sense. Darnold has all the talent to take that massive leap, even in his seventh NFL season. The success of Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield after struggles early on show precedent for a Darnold resurgence.
If Darnold takes that next step for the Vikings, it will pose some interesting questions for the Vikings. Will they try to extend Darnold to lead the team longer than just 2024? Could Darnold lead the Vikings to the playoffs? The questions right now are boundless, but so are the possibilities.
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