Sam Darnold entered the year as the San Francisco 49ers' new backup quarterback after five unfruitful seasons with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers. His career outlook at the time looked bleak.

The 49ers will now be facing Sam Darnold twice a year for at least the next three seasons, and he identified Brock Purdy as a big reason for him getting that opportunity.

Sam Darnold and the Vikings beat all but two of the teams on their schedule. The two teams to which they lost — the Lions and Rams — beat them twice each. The Vikings recovered from the Week 6 and Week 7 losses to Detroit and L.

The Vikings decided to let Darnold’s contract expire and roll in 2025 and beyond with J.J. McCarthy, their 10th pick in last year’s draft. His season-ending knee injury last summer is why Darnold started last season.

Sam Darnold put up 246 yards and three touchdowns to help the Minnesota Vikings get a 27-24 win over the Seahawks on the road. A few months later, Darnold now calls