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Sam Darnold Is Vikings' Lead QB Heading into Training Camp

ESPN NFL writer Kevin Seifert wrote on June 12 that Sam Darnold will be the Minnesota Vikings’ lead quarterback heading to training camp. Head coach Kevin O’Connell decided as the team wrapped up their mandatory minicamp.

However, that announcement does not guarantee that Darnold will be the Vikings’ starting quarterback for their 2024 season opener. He will compete for that job with Jaren Hall, Nick Mullens, and rookie J.J. McCarthy.

The Vikings signed Darnold to a one-year, $10 million contract one day after long-time starter Kirk Cousins agreed to a four-year, $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons. The former USC standout was the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft behind Baker Mayfield and Saquon Barkley.

However, Darnold hasn’t entirely lived up to the hype, as the Vikings will be his fourth NFL team in seven seasons. After playing three seasons with the New York Jets, he spent two years with the Carolina Panthers before joining the San Francisco 49ers last year.

Darnold has a 21-35 record as the starting quarterback, compiling 1,082 completions for 12,064 yards, 63 touchdowns, and 56 interceptions. He also has 13 rushing touchdowns from 760 yards from the ground.

Meanwhile, the Vikings traded with the New York Jets for the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft. They used that selection on McCarthy, the fifth quarterback selected in the opening round. Seifert added that McCarthy spent OTAs improving his mechanics more than competing for the starting role.

-Lance Fernandez

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