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Sam Darnold's move to Minnesota last offseason has reignited his NFL career.
The former No. 3 overall pick flamed out after being selected by the Jets, unable to live up to the lofty expectations placed on a first-round quarterback over three seasons in New York.
After a two-year stint in Carolina, appearing in 18 games, then sitting behind Brock Purdy in San Fransisco for a season, Darnold wound up as Vikings' solidified QB1 entering the 2024 season, partially due to first-round rookie J.J. McCarthy's season-ending knee injury.
In Year 7 of his NFL career, Darnold made the most of that opportunity. The 27-year-old, playing in a Minnesota offense that boasts a collection of dynamic weapons, posted career-highs in games played (17), passing yards (4,319), passing touchdowns (35), and rating (102.5) in the regular season, leading Minnesota to the NFC's No. 5 seed at 14-3.
It's been a significantly successful campaign for Darnold thus far, and it's sure to get him an increase in pay when he becomes a free agent this offseason. First, though, he'll be looking to lead the Vikings on a potential Super Bowl run. As the team's unquestioned starter entering the playoffs, Darnold will be tasked with orchestrating Minnesota's offense on a bigger stage.
If Darnold were to sustain an injury, or another circumstance forces head coach Kevin O'Connell to take him out, the Vikings do have some intriguing depth at quarterback, though.
Entering the playoffs, here's who may sub in for Darnold if he misses any snaps, along with a look at Minnesota's quarterback depth chart.
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Who is the Vikings' backup quarterback?
For the time being, the Vikings' backup quarterback for the postseason is expected to be Nick Mullens.
In the seventh season of his NFL career, Mullens has been a backup option throughout his time in the league. Back in 2020, he did play in 10 games for the 49ers, tossing 12 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions.
Mullens, who spent four years at Southern Miss prior to being signed as a UDFA, has appeared in 13 games for Minnesota over three seasons with the franchise. In 2023, he threw for 1,306 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and eight interceptions over five games. This season, he's had more of a limited role.
He's taken snaps in four games for the Vikings this season, but Mullens has thrown just two passes, mostly subbing in for Darnold in blowouts.
The 29-year-old brings some veteran experience to O'Connell's bench if he's needed, but Minnesota also has another quarterback on its roster who presents some high-end experience: former Giants starter Daniel Jones.
In a lost season, New York cut Jones in November after the franchise had previously invested in him as QB1. Jones, who had 2,070 passing yards, eight passing touchdowns, and seven interceptions prior to his departure from New York, signed with the Vikings for the rest of the 2024 season shortly after.
Jones remained on Minnesota's practice squad up until the regular season ended. He joined the team's active roster prior to the postseason — for now, Jones is considered the Vikings' emergency quarterback, but with his very recent starting experience, he could easily become a better option than Mullens as the backup if O'Connell needs him.
“It’s such a fluid thing here the rest of the way,” O’Connell said about Jones' place on the depth chart, per NBC Sports. “We’re gonna do whatever we think gives us the best chance to win.”
Although Mullens is still considered the backup behind Darnold, more clarity on Jones' playoff role could be available when Minnesota releases its inactives list before Monday's game against the Rams.
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Vikings QB depth chart
| Rank | Player |
| 1 | Sam Darnold |
| 2 | Nick Mullens |
| 3 | Daniel Jones |
| 4 | J.J. McCarthy (IR) |
Minnesota came into the season with an apparent quarterback competition between Darnold and McCarthy, but the rookie's injury left no doubt that the veteran would be given the QB1 spot.
Darnold has performed well and stayed healthy enough to fend off any more quarterback controversies, leaving Mullens as his backup throughout the season. Even after Minnesota signed Jones, it hasn't yet shown indications that he could see the field unless the team was forced to play him.
After the current season, Darnold and Jones will both be free agents. McCarthy's shot as QB1 may come in 2025, depending on how the Vikings address the position in free agency.
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