Recent take about Vikings QB Sam Darnold is extremely puzzling

The offense is going to look different for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. The team moved on from quarterback Kirk Cousins and has started preparing for a future where J.J. McCarthy will handle those duties.

The transition from Cousins to McCarthy will not be a direct one. Minnesota enlisted former Jets, Panthers, and 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold to help get the Vikings' rookie signal-caller ready for action.

Darnold isn't likely to push McCarthy for a future starting job but he can provide an environment where the Michigan alum can take time to acclimate to the NFL level without being rushed into action during his first year in the league.

Recent take about Vikings QB Sam Darnold is extremely puzzling

The signing of Sam Darnold was one of the more polarizing transactions of the Minnesota Vikings offseason. It was ridiculed by some, praised by others, and met with indifference by many analysts around the league.

Recently, Pro Football Focus released an article discussing each NFC team's best move this offseason. Trevor Sikkema had an interesting choice for what he thought was the Vikings' best move that is a bit puzzling.

""Darnold will not be the franchise quarterback, but signing him for 2024 gives the Vikings flexibility to not rush McCarthy into action while the team remains competitive.""

- Trevor Sikkema via PFF

Having an experienced quarterback to ease McCarthy's transition and act as a mentor is a good idea, but the questions of why it was Sam Darnold and why his one-year deal worth $10 million is the best thing Minnesota did this offseason must be asked.

While extending megastar wide receiver Justin Jefferson and making two high-potential first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft were mentioned, those weren't good enough for top honors in the PFF piece.

Minnesota worked hard at the start of the offseason to replenish their depleted pass rush. The Vikings signed Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard as new edge rushers following career years from both individuals.

The Vikings also made the decision to release running back Alexander Mattison after a season as the starter where he failed to reach the end zone as a runner and replaced him with established rusher and receiver Aaron Jones for $3 million less than what they paid Darnold.

Signing Sam Darnold is far from a bad move for the Minnesota Vikings but after considering the other moves the team made this offseason, it is hard to think that renting him for $10 million in 2024 is the best move they made.

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