Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is enjoying a breakout year, turning heads across the NFL, including former quarterback Dan Orlovsky.
With 3,299 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions this season, Darnold has guided the Vikings to an impressive 11-2 record, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top performers.
However, Orlovsky, speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, doesn’t think Darnold’s future lies in Minnesota.
“I don’t think he stays in Minnesota,” Orlovsky said. “I think he’s going to get a $150 or so million dollars from somebody else; I don’t think he should stay in Minnesota.
“I love Minnesota. I love Kevin O’Connell. But, I think wherever he goes, you have to make sure you run the same system, the same offensive system as Kevin O’Connell does.”
O’Connell, who took over as the Vikings’ head coach in 2022, has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s brightest offensive minds.
Previously the offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl-winning Los Angeles Rams, O’Connell helped elevate Matthew Stafford’s game in LA, leading to a career-best season.
His influence in Minnesota has been equally transformative, as seen with Kirk Cousins’ 2022 performance – 4,547 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.
While Cousins was already a proven Pro Bowler, O’Connell’s system brought out the best in him.
Darnold has thrived similarly under O’Connell’s guidance, with his touchdown tally nearing Cousins’ 2022 total, and four games still left in the regular season.
Yet, as Orlovsky suggests, Darnold’s next move might involve finding a team willing to replicate O’Connell’s system.
If Darnold departs Minnesota, several quarterback-needy teams could be in play.
The Tennessee Titans, struggling with rookie Will Levis, might opt for a veteran like Darnold rather than risk another quarterback draft pick.
“You’re looking at nine teams that are probably looking at some way, shape, or form at a starting quarterback,” Orlovsky continued.
“Sam has been awesome this year. He’s been in the perfect place for his skill set I think he goes and gets a Kirk Cousins-type deal from last offseason, but I don’t think it’s in Minnesota.”
Another intriguing possibility is a reunion with the New York Jets.
While Darnold’s initial stint with Gang Green was rocky, he’s now a more seasoned and confident player. (To be clear, it was the old Jets regime who ruined Darnold in his early years, not the other way around.)
Speaking of New York, the Giants could also be a possibility. Big Blue will have $61+ million in cap space and will certainly be needing a quarterback.
Regardless of where he lands, Darnold has proven to be a legitimate franchise quarterback in the NFL.
Most people expect the Vikings to let him walk in free agency after the season and officially turn to J.J. McCarthy with Daniel Jones as the backup (or temporary starter until McCarthy is ready).
Having said that, it will be absolutely fascinating if Darnold leads Minnesota to the Super Bowl – and dare I say win it … At that point, you can’t possibly let him leave, can you?
What are your thoughts on Orlovsky’s comments and the unique quarterback situation in Minnesota???
