Recent projection by Sports Illustrated, speculation surrounds Sam Darnold’s future with the Minnesota Vikings. Despite the Vikings drafting J.J. McCarthy from Michigan in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, it appears Darnold is poised to begin the season as the team’s starting quarterback. However, rumors suggest his tenure might be shorter than expected.
According to Conor Orr, a senior NFL writer for Sports Illustrated, Darnold could become trade bait by mid-season, albeit not due to poor performance or strategic timing around the team’s bye week. Orr forecasts a scenario where Darnold’s departure is triggered by a contender in need, following an injury to their starting quarterback.
Orr’s bold prediction is part of his comprehensive analysis for Sports Illustrated, where he delves into various outcomes for the Vikings. Despite this forecast, Orr also anticipates the Vikings surpassing their projected win total of 6.5 games, indicating optimism for Darnold’s potential contributions during his tenure.
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Playing alongside offensive weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Aaron Jones, under the guidance of quarterback-friendly head coach Kevin O’Connell, Darnold finds himself in an opportune position to excel. The outcome hinges on his performance throughout the 2024 season, raising questions about what level of play might attract potential suitors.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Darnold and the Vikings, eager to see if Orr’s predictions come to fruition and how they might reshape the team’s quarterback landscape moving forward.
