Report: Sam Darnold, Jimmy Garoppolo are 'options' for Vikings
The million-dollar question in Minnesota is who will be playing quarterback in 2024 now that Kirk Cousins plays for the Atlanta Falcons.
Two names to watch, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, are Sam Darnold and Jimmy Garoppolo "are among their options." Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, meanwhile, says Darnold is weighing offers between the Vikings and Broncos.
Darnold, 26, was the third overall pick in 2018 and hasn’t lived up to the hype after spending five seasons with the lowly Jets and Panthers and then backing up Brock Purdy in San Francisco this past season.
Garoppolo is 41-20 in his career as a starter and spent 2023 with the Raiders, going 3-3 in six starts while passing for seven touchdowns and nine interceptions. He was released in February after the Raiders learned that he will be suspended the first two games of the 2024 season for violating the league's performance enhancing drugs policy.
Both are free agents and could hypothetically sign inexpensive deals and serve as a leader in 2024 who could also help mentor a rookie quarterback the Vikings take in the draft.
"Our approach heading into free agency always included layers of contingencies regarding the quarterback position. We are moving forward with plans that allow us to continue building a roster that can compete for a championship,” Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said shortly after Cousins’ agent confirmed the four-year deal with Atlanta.
Competing for a championship would mean finding a quarterback that can help Minnesota win in 2024. Unless that quarterback is a player in the upcoming NFL Draft, the available names in free agency and on the trade market outside of Darnold and Garoppolo are dwindling.
Gardner Minshew is going to the Raiders, Jacoby Brissett is signing with the Patriots, which could lead to Joe Flacco’s return in Cleveland, according to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot.
Justin Fields and Zach Wilson may be available via trades, and Minnesota has previously been said to be interested in Wilson. Ryan Tannehill, Jameis Winston, Tyrod Taylor and Drew Lock are also free agents.
Dec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell (left) shakes hands with Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) after the game at Allegiant Stadium.
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
