The Minnesota Vikings have reportedly agreed a one-year contract with quarterback Sam Darnold after losing Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons.
Cousins made headlines on the first day of free agency on Monday by signing a four-year, $180million deal with the Falcons after failing to agree fresh terms with the Vikings.
Minnesota have moved quickly to fill their gap at quarterback, with a report from ESPN claiming Darnold has agreed a short-term deal with the team.
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The Vikings remain likely to pursue a highly rated quarterback prospect in April’s draft, with the team currently holding the 11th overall pick.
Darnold spent the 2023 season as backup to Brock Purdy for the San Francisco 49ers, throwing for 297 yards with two touchdowns and an interception across 10 appearances.
Vikings expected to sign QB Sam Darnold to one-year, $10M deal.
(via @RapSheet, @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/m31LyZin7a
— NFL (@NFL) March 12, 2024
The 26-year-old – who was selected third overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 draft – started the 49ers’ final regular-season game against the Los Angeles Rams, going 16-of-26 for 189 yards and a touchdown in a 21-20 loss.
He will reportedly earn up to $10m in 2024, beginning the year as favourite to start the Vikings’ season opener ahead of any potential draft moves.
Falcons offense looking fully loaded pic.twitter.com/VRZwVqSKIw
— NFL (@NFL) March 11, 2024
