The Tennessee Titans are likely on the hunt for a quarterback this offseason after it became clear in 2024 that Will Levis was not the answer at the position. While the Titans hold the number one pick in the draft, it wouldn't be shocking if the team still added a quarterback in free agency, and the best option this cycle is (or at least was) Sam Darnold.
Yes, the same Darnold who went third overall to the Jets in 2018 and flamed out hard with them. The same Darnold who was then traded to the Panthers and lost the starting job. The same Darnold who eventually was relegated to a backup role when he joined the 49ers in 2023.
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Things changed for Darnold when he signed with the Vikings and became their starter once J.J. McCarthy was ruled out for the year. Darnold put together a career season in Minnesota, leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record and the writing was on the wall for him to land a massive contract from a quarterback-needy team in the offseason.
Unfortunately for Darnold, he hit a wall at the end of the season. In the Vikings' two biggest games of the 2024 season (Week 18 vs. the Lions and the wild card round vs. the Rams), Darnold threw for only one touchdown and one interception. Darnold was sacked nine times in the wild card loss to the Rams and while yes, the o-line was bad, he held onto the football for way too long.
Titans should avoid Sam Darnold like the plague
It's true that the Titans need a quarterback for 2025 and that whoever they take with the first overall pick (assuming that they stay put and do indeed draft a signal-caller) might not be ready to play right away, but the Titans should not fall for the Darnold trap. He showed his true colors in the biggest games for Minnesota and giving him a huge contract would be a colossal mistake.
Some might say that there aren't many other options out there and that's true but the Titans are hoping whoever they take first overall is the future of the franchise. Therefore, signing someone like Jacoby Brissett, Andy Dalton, or Taylor Heinicke might make more sense for them, as they'd be hoping the inexpensive veteran they bring in could mentor the rookie.
While it was fun to see Sam Darnold put together a magical season with the Minnesota Vikings of all teams, his performance in the Vikings' two biggest games spoke volumes and should be enough to scare the Titans away.