Sam Darnold says he is 'going to compete' for starting job
New Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold isn't concerned if the Vikings take a QB in the upcoming draft.
The young journeyman will be with his third team in as many years when the Vikings open the season. It's been quite the journey for the former No. 3 overall pick, but the 26-year-old remains optimistic, telling reporters at his introductory press conference this is a "great opportunity" with a "great organization."
Darnold spent the 2023 season as Brock Purdy's backup in San Francisco.
"We got playmakers all over the place, obviously [Justin Jefferson] being one of them," Darnold said of his new organization. "I got to mention, too, the fanbase. Very excited to come in here with that fanbase."
The eventual Super Bowl runner-up came to Minneapolis with a 5-1 record, fresh off their first loss of the season, in Week 7. The Vikings, at 2-4, pulled off a massive upset in front of a national audience.
"Being on the Niners last year, coming in here [on] Monday Night Football, just seeing how electric that stadium was it was pretty exciting," continued Darnold.
The former USC standout comes to Minnesota on a one-year deal after Kirk Cousins left to take a $180 million deal in Atlanta. With just a one-year deal handed to Darnold, it is widely expected the Vikings will look to take a quarterback early in next month's draft.
"Coming here on a one year deal, I'm just excited to compete and come in here with an open mind and learn as much football as I can," said Darnold.
Oct 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) gestures during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium.
© Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
On his mindset about the team potentially looking to draft their long-term future QB, Darnold said, "I think no matter what happens, I'm going to compete."
Darnold has been through the ringer since being taken high in the 2018 draft. He struggled in three years with the Jets, throwing 45 touchdowns to 39 interceptions while posting a 13-25 record as a starter. New York had had enough and traded Darnold to Carolina where he was saddled with another bottom-tier roster and he struggled again, throwing for just 3,670 yards, 16 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in two seasons.
After all of his career struggles Darnold remained upbeat Thursday, harkening back to his earlier words calling Minnesota a "great opportunity" while also recognizing he has a lot to prove.
"A lot of weapons, great coaching staff, really good defense. I think there's a lot of work that needs to be put in before we say anything about winning a lot of games or making it to the playoffs and winning a championship. There's a lot of work that needs to be put in before that in OTAs and training camp and even the start of the season. There's a lot of work and I know that. I'm very willing to put in the work," said Darnold.
