Sam Darnold

With the drafting of JJ McCarthy to the Vikings, Sam Darnold is not guaranteed a starting role, despite signing a $10m deal to be the bridge QB.

Fantasy Impact

GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said that the team does not want to rush McCarthy's development and wants him to be as good as he can be. However, the team has seen plenty of evidence that he can make all the throws needed and he could force their hand, shifting Darnold to the backup role.

The Minnesota Vikings and QB Sam Darnold have come to terms on a one-year deal.

Fantasy Impact

Darnold spent last season backing up QB Brock Purdy in San Francisco after being moved from the New York Jets to the Carolina Panthers in an unsuccessful beginning to his NFL career. He presumably joins the Vikings as a bridge QB, likely meant to bide time and fill the starter role while they develop a QB behind the scenes. This brings into question whether Minnesota will invest draft capital into the position, potentially signing Darnold as a placeholder for a guy like J.J. McCarthy.

The Minnesota Vikings are expected to be potential suitors for QB Sam Darnold, who's expected to garner interest.

Fantasy Impact

Darnold spent a year in San Francisco playing behind QB Brock Purdy shortly after his failed experience in Carolina with the Panthers. He is an unrestricted free agent and would not be a costly option for a team looking for a bridge QB.

Sam Darnold will start on Sunday against the Rams.

Fantasy Impact

Brock Purdy will rest with the 49ers' having clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Christian McCaffrey was already ruled out, but it appears players like Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle could see some snaps.

Sam Darnold completed 8-of-14 passes for one touchdown and one interception in the 49ers' 33-19 loss against the Ravens.

Fantasy Impact

Darnold entered the game in the fourth quarter after Brock Purdy suffered a stinger. Darnold led San Francisco on a touchdown drive before later throwing an interception in the end zone on the next drive. The status of Purdy will be something to monitor in practice this week. If he is sidelined, Darnold would be in line to start.