The Minnesota Vikings have to figure out what they are going to do at quarterback in the coming weeks and months, as a Kirk Cousins return is no guarantee.

Cousins’ price may be too steep for what the Vikings are willing to pay, and barring a blockbuster trade, Minnesota won’t be able to take one of the top signal-callers in this year’s NFL Draft class.

But Tom Pelissero of NFL media sees a very interesting potential option for the Vikings: Sam Darnold.

Darnold spent this season with the San Francisco 49ers backing up Brock Purdy. He made one start in Week 18, going 16-for-26 with 189 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

The 26-year-old is slated to hit free agency next month and does have some experience as a starter.

Darnold, who played his collegiate football at USC, was originally selected by the New York Jets with the third overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.

He spent the first three years of his career with the Jets, and while he showed flashes, he was never able to develop any sort of consistency.

His best season with in New York came in 2019, when he made 13 starts and threw for 3,024 yards, 19 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while completing 61.9 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 84.3.

The Jets ultimately traded Darnold to the Carolina Panthers in April 2021, but the change of scenery did not do Darnold much good.

He made 17 starts in two seasons with the Panthers, totaling 16 touchdowns and 16 picks. He also completed under 60 percent of his passes in both years.

Darnold proceeded to sign with the 49ers last offseason.

Perhaps Darnold could thrive with Justin Jefferson in Minnesota, but if his history is any indication, he is nothing more than a capable backup.

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