Sam Darnold could revive career after ex-Jets QB receives golden opportunity

As the NY Jets gear up for a potential Super Bowl run in 2024 with Aaron Rodgers back under center, one of the team's former quarterbacks is preparing for a golden opportunity to revitalize his NFL career.

Former Jets QB Sam Darnold is in line to start for the Minnesota Vikings to begin this season. Darnold already seemed to be the favorite to win the starting job, but his status was confirmed on Tuesday following the news of J.J. McCarthy's injury.

The rookie quarterback suffered a torn meniscus in his knee and will be out indefinitely. McCarthy could miss a few weeks or even a few months depending on the severity of the injury. In the meantime, Darnold will be the one leading Minnesota's offense.

The Vikings signed Darnold to a one-year, $10 million contract in the offseason with the expectation that he would compete with and mentor McCarthy this season. While he may not be the future in Minnesota, this is his opportunity to prove he deserves another shot as a permanent starter in the NFL.

Former NY Jets QB Sam Darnold can salvage his NFL career with the Vikings

Darnold will be hoping to follow a similar path to resurgence that fellow ex-Jets quarterback Geno Smith has accomplished with the Seattle Seahawks. Smith spent years toiling around the NFL as a journeyman backup before receiving an opportunity in Seattle.

Now, the former Jets second-round pick is finally reaching his potential at the tail-end of his career. It's not often you see a quarterback earn their first and second Pro Bowl nods at age 32 and 33.

Darnold's journey hasn't been as arduous as Smith's, but the former USC star has still bounced around the NFL quite a bit. A failed stint as a starter in Carolina led Darnold to the San Francisco 49ers, where he served as Brock Purdy's backup last season.

Now on his fourth NFL team, Darnold is once again being given an opportunity to start. The Vikings present Darnold with a golden opportunity for success as well, with the likes of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones making up his core supporting cast.

Darnold is also paired with a talented offensive line, led by standout tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neill, and one of the most quarterback-friendly coaches in the NFL in Kevin O'Connell.

The opportunity is there for Darnold to find success with the Vikings, and even if that doesn't lead to a permanent home in Minnesota, it might be enough to convince another team to take a chance on him.

McCarthy's injury, while unfortunate for the Vikings, presents Darnold with perhaps one final chance to prove he can be a starter in this league. Darnold season is officially back on.

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