Reunion in the Works: 49ers and Sam Darnold Set to Reunite, But What Does it Means for the Team’s Future
Following the NFL Wild Card Round, 24 teams now find themselves in the offseason. One team that didn’t have to wait so long is the San Francisco 49ers, who are looking to bounce back from an underwhelming 6-11 year.
The team is beginning to enter into contract negotiation talks with quarterback Brock Purdy. The former Mr. Irrelevant is reportedly seeking north of $60 million per year. It seems unlikely that Purdy will net that much, but if his asking price remains that steep, the 49ers have to consider other options.
Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano suggests that the 49ers should pursue Sam Darnold. Darnold spent last season as the 49ers backup, throwing less than 50 passes.
After failing to impress in New York with the Jets or in Carolina with the Panthers, Darnold found himself with a starting role this year for the Minnesota Vikings, and had a storybook year.
Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 record, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, earning his first Pro-Bowl appearance.
As magical as the year may have seemed for Darnold, his last two games will surely leave a sour taste in the mouth of his agent and his wallet.
In the final week of the regular season and his lone playoff matchup, Darnold led the Vikings to just 18 points between the two contests, losing out on the first seed in the NFC and losing any hopes of a Super Bowl run. These two games likely cost Darnold big time on the open market.
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, however, and that’s what Niners fans are wondering about here. But … If Darnold’s price tag is reasonable, Manzano suggests the 49ers should sign Darnold to a short term deal for two Brock-Purdy related reasons.
For starters, Darnold could hold down the fort as 49ers quarterback if the team is unable to reach an extension agreement with Purdy. Darnold’s improved play should inspire some confidence in an offense that features premiere weapons.
Second, Purdy’s best season came when he had to compete with Darnold and Trey Lance for the starting spot. Purdy threw for over 4,200 yards and 31 touchdowns en route to an overtime Super Bowl appearance after beating out both Darnold and Lance for the position in camp.
Purdy earned a fourth-place MVP finish that year after leading the NFL in yards per attempt, passer rating, and QBR.
While the 49ers shouldn’t expect MVP caliber play from Darnold, he could prove to be a serviceable starter in Kyle Shanahan’s offense next year.
A treasure. Or maybe just trash.
