Sam Darnold Predicted to Join AFC Underdog Team with a $123 Million Contract

Tennessee Titans’ Quarterback Dilemma

In 2024, the Tennessee Titans endured a disastrous season, finishing with a 3-14 record and securing the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. It was one of the worst seasons in the franchise’s history. Fans witnessed numerous issues within the lineup, particularly at the quarterback position, leading to crucial decisions ahead for the team’s management.

Quarterback instability was one of the main reasons behind the Titans’ poor performance. Will Levis and Mason Rudolph, who shared the role last season, combined for a 63.5% completion rate, totaling 3,317 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. These stats highlighted the team’s struggles at the quarterback position, making it difficult to compete with other teams in the league.

Decision on the Starting Quarterback

Heading into the next season, General Manager Mike Borgonzi and Head Coach Brian Callahan face a critical decision on who will be the starting quarterback. They could continue with Will Levis, who is still under contract, or select a first-round rookie like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. Another option is to sign a free agent, which many are speculating about.

Mason Cameron from Pro Football Focus predicted that the Titans would sign free agent Sam Darnold, currently with the Minnesota Vikings. Darnold is expected to receive a three-year, $123.75 million contract, with $75 million guaranteed. This would be a significant move for the Titans if they choose this route.

Sam Darnold’s Background

Sam Darnold, 27, has had a rollercoaster career. He started his football journey at USC from 2015 to 2017, earning All-Pac-12 First Team honours in his final season. The New York Jets selected Darnold as the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. However, his stint with the Jets was rocky, leading to a trade to the Carolina Panthers.

Darnold’s journey illustrates the ups and downs a quarterback can face in the NFL.

Time with the Carolina Panthers

At Carolina, Darnold struggled to find his footing. In his first 17 starts, he posted an 8-9 record with a passer rating of just 77.3. These underwhelming results couldn’t secure his position with the Panthers, making him a disappointment in the eyes of fans.

His time in Carolina was pivotal in shaping his future career.

Time with the San Francisco 49ers

In 2023, Darnold signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers, serving as a backup to Brock Purdy and appearing in only one game. This was a challenging period for Darnold as he didn’t get the opportunity to showcase his abilities and continued to be undervalued.

This limited exposure raised questions about his potential.

Career Revival with the Minnesota Vikings

Last season, Sam Darnold joined the Minnesota Vikings and experienced a significant career resurgence. In 17 starts, he completed 66.2% of his passes for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a passer rating of 102.5. These achievements not only restored his confidence but also earned him a Pro Bowl selection while leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record.

Darnold’s performance in Minnesota marked a turning point in his career.

Reestablishing Sam Darnold’s Status

Darnold is poised to regain his starting quarterback status, but this largely depends on coaching and his continued development. Before joining Minnesota, Darnold was not put in the best positions to succeed, so this could be the start of a new chapter if given the right support.

His future success hinges on finding the right team environment.

Coaching Concerns at Tennessee Titans

A pressing question is whether Callahan and offensive coordinator Nick Holz are the right coaches to develop Darnold’s potential. He needs a positive environment and clear guidance to solidify his standing in the NFL. If the Titans choose to sign him, they must ensure they have the right strategies in place to maximize his talents.

Effective coaching will be vital for Darnold’s potential success in Tennessee.

Need for Offensive Weapons

For Darnold to thrive, the Tennessee Titans must also bolster their offensive weapons. The team needs reliable receivers and running backs to support Darnold in executing the offensive strategy. Without these additions, signing him could prove to be a risky move.

Strengthening the offensive lineup is essential for maximizing Darnold’s impact.

Seeking Offensive Talent

To improve their competitiveness, the Titans must actively pursue high-quality offensive players. Adding skillful running backs and wide receivers will enable Darnold to maximize his potential. The team should clearly identify their targets in the free agency market and make strategic decisions.

Identifying key offensive targets will be crucial for the Titans’ success.

The Pros and Cons of Signing Sam Darnold

Signing Sam Darnold could bring both advantages and challenges for the Tennessee Titans. Darnold can bring energy and experience to the offence but could also pose risks if he fails to perform consistently. The Titans need to thoroughly evaluate these aspects before making their final decision.

A careful assessment of Donald’s potential impact is essential.

The Future of the Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans are at a crucial crossroads in rebuilding their roster. They must make wise decisions to construct a team capable of competing in the future. Signing Sam Darnold could be a pivotal step in this journey, but they also need to seek other players to support his role.

Strategic roster decisions will shape the Titans’ future.

Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Decisions

In their current situation, the Titans must weigh both short-term and long-term decisions. While signing Darnold could provide immediate benefits, they also need a long-term strategy to build a sustainable roster. This is essential to ensure the team’s continued development and future success.

Finding the right balance will be crucial for the Titans’ progression.

Fan Expectations and Excitement

Tennessee Titans fans are eagerly awaiting this decision. They hope to see positive changes that will restore the team’s competitive edge. Signing a player like Sam Darnold could generate excitement among fans, but it also needs to translate into on-field success.

Meeting fan expectations will be vital for the team’s morale.

Sam Darnold’s Journey with the Tennessee Titans

Sam Darnold could play a crucial role in the future of the Tennessee Titans if they decide to sign him. However, the team needs to consider multiple factors before making the final call. Adding Darnold to the lineup could bring positive changes, but he will need strong support from other players to succeed. His journey with the Titans could be one of the most compelling storylines of the upcoming season.

Darnold’s potential addition could redefine the Titans’ narrative moving forward.