After being selected by the Jets with the No. 3 pick in the 2018 NFL draft, quarterback Sam Darnold was written off as a bust following sub-par stints in New York and Carolina. He signed a one-year, $10 million contract this offseason with the Minnesota Vikings and was presumed to serve as a bridge quarterback to 2024 No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy.
When McCarthy tore his meniscus in the preseason, however, Darnold was thrust into action as their permanent starter—and has had quite the career resurgence for himself. The 27-year-old has thrown for career highs in passing yards (3,299) and touchdowns (28) over the Vikings' first 13 games while leading them to an 11–2 record.
