NFL reporter makes bold Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield comparison

NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated believes quarterback Sam Darnold could resurrect his career making a move from the San Francisco 49ers to the Minnesota Vikings in free agency similar to how Baker Mayfield became a Comeback Player of the Year finalist after he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last offseason.

"I’m not saying it’s likely, but based on the way he flashed in limited action last year in San Francisco, where he’s going, and who he’s playing for, I think the idea that Sam Darnold could be this year’s version of Baker Mayfield isn’t out of line," Breer explained. "Darnold, by the way, is a year younger now, at 26, than Mayfield was a year ago when he signed in Tampa." 

Both Mayfield and Darnold entered the NFL via the 2018 draft, selected Nos. 1 and 3 overall, respectively. And both were discarded by their first teams. Mayfield defeated Darnold in a competition for the Carolina Panthers' starting job in the summer of 2022, but the two found themselves with different clubs last March. 

Mayfield signed a one-year "prove it" contract with the Buccaneers roughly one year ago before guiding them to a division title and a postseason win. Ahead of reaching free agency, the former Oklahoma signal-caller agreed to a three-year contract with the Bucs that carries a maximum value of $115M and $50M guaranteed. 

Darnold, meanwhile, spent the bulk of the 2023 campaign as a backup with San Francisco and attempted just 46 regular-season passes. He completed 28 of those throws for 297 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. 

After signing with San Francisco last spring, Darnold quickly established a reputation for being a "talented thrower of the football." He eventually impressed head coach Kyle Shanahan so much that the Niners sent 2021 first-round draft pick Trey Lance to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round choice in late August. 

With Kirk Cousins set to leave Minnesota for the Atlanta Falcons, NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero (h/t Christian Gonzales) reported late Monday night that Darnold was expected to sign a one-year deal worth up to $10M with $8.75M guaranteed to join the Vikings. 

On Wednesday, The Athletic reported that the Vikings "have no plans to trade All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson" following Cousins' departure, meaning Darnold could thrive throwing passes to Jefferson as Mayfield did while targeting Mike Evans throughout the 2023 season.