The Vikings on Monday learned quarterback Kirk Cousins is exiting Minnesota in free agency to join the Atlanta Falcons once the new league year begins. Minnesota’s vacancy at quarterback opened the door for the club to agree to a deal with unrestricted free agent QB Sam Darnold per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
Darnold after one season with San Francisco agreed to a one-year deal with the Vikings worth up to $10 million.
This was partially the goal for Darnold when he signed on to be the 49ers’ backup signal caller last season. He needed a reset after a tumultuous first five seasons where he had three unsuccessful years with the Jets and two more rough seasons in Carolina.
Darnold acquitted himself well in limited action for San Francisco and one year after agreeing to a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the 49ers, he earned a $10 million deal to potentially be the starting quarterback in Minnesota.
Last season Darnold appeared in 10 games, although he only threw passes in half of them. He lost his only start against the Rams in the final week of the season when most of the 49ers’ starters rested. For the year he completed 60.9 percent of his throws with two touchdowns, one interception and 6.5 yards per attempt.
