The Minnesota Vikings are expected to sign quarterback Sam Darnold to a one-year, $10 million contract, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday.
The 26-year-old Darnold reached the Super Bowl last season while serving as the backup to starting quarterback Brock Purdy. He played 10 games, making one start, and completed 28 of 46 passes (60.9 per cent) for 297 yards and two touchdowns.
Darnold was drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018. He holds a career 59.7 completing percentage and has thrown for 12,064 yards and 63 touchdowns over six seasons with the Jets, Carolina Panthers and 49ers.
Darnold has ties with new Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown. The pair played together on the Jets during Darnold's rookie season in 2018.
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in a statement Monday the team was moving on from quarterback Kirk Cousins.
“After significant and positive dialogue with Kirk and his representatives, we were unable to reach agreement on a contract that fits the short and long-term visions for both Kirk and the Minnesota Vikings,” Adofo-Mensah said. “Kirk holds a special place in Vikings history, and we appreciate his leadership and contributions to the team and the Minneapolis-St. Paul community over the past six seasons. We wish him, his wife, Julie, and their children all the best.”
Working his way back from a torn Achilles tendon in his right foot that sidelined him because of an injury for the first time in his career, Cousins had a 103.8 passer rating in eight games for the Vikings last season that was still the third best in the league despite the lost time.
Joshua Dobbs, Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens all took turns subbing for Cousins down the stretch, with mixed success at best as the Vikings stumbled to a 7-10 finish.
The Vikings were serious in their desire to continue with Cousins, but given their cap situation and the recent improvement and outlook around them by their NFC North foes they had to have a limit about how much — and for how long — they could guarantee. With the 11th pick in the draft next month, they'll likely be too low to get one of the top quarterback prospects, but it's a deep class and they're almost certain to take one on the first or second day.
-- With files from The Associated Press.
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