Several high-profile players agreed to new contracts with various organizations this offseason. Perhaps none were more notable than Sam Darnold’s departure from the Minnesota Vikings for the Seattle Seahawks following a breakout season in which he made his first Pro Bowl appearance.
He left a 14-game winning club after receiving criticism from the reigning NFL Coach of the Year, where he had the opportunity to pass Justin Jefferson, one of the game’s top receivers. Not to mention that the Seahawks had the NFL’s second-worst offensive line unit, while Minnesota’s was ranked 18th and appears to have improved even more after
While early opinions are in, Sam Darnold’s free agency choice will not be fully appraised until the regular season begins. Even so, it could take several years to decide whether he made a mistake.
What we do know is that Darnold took advantage of his market at a time when his price was at an all-time high, ultimately paving the way for him and his family to live a crazily rich lifestyle. What about the football components of his choice to leave the Minnesota Vikings for the Seattle Seahawks
e acquisitions of Ryan Kelly and Will Fries.
Needless to say, some believe Darnold made the wrong decision for his future by joining a Seahawks team that has now lost DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, despite also getting Cooper Kupp.
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report recently looked at six players that joined with the wrong team during free agency, and Darnold was the first one he mentioned.
“The Seahawks were not the best choice for instant success. Seattle’s offensive interior is still a nightmare. Furthermore, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett have left. Yes, Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdez-Scantling have been signed as free agents. However, the former has missed at least five regular-season games in three consecutive years, whilst the latter has never been a well-rounded danger.
If Darnold did not perform well this fall, Pittsburgh may not have had the same path to retaining the starting quarterback position. However, the Steelers have a more stable organization, greater coaching, and an excellent supporting cast. Overall, Pittsburgh’s offensive line is more talented. Metcalf and George Pickens are the league’s most physduo. Pat Freiermuth makes an excellent target in the middle of the field. Jaylen Warren, the running back, is another potential b
Once again, Sobleski’s reasoning is really sound. If Darnold had signed in Pittsburgh, he would not have felt as much pressure as he does in Seattle, where he is now seen as the franchise’s face. Meanwhile, with the Steelers, the majority of the blame is always placed on the shoulders of Mike Tomlin.
ig play. If Darnold was going to a place where he could compete this year and prove himself as a long-term option, the Steelers were as good as any.ically threatening wide receivers.
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