By: Rob Kleifield, Lance Zierlein Said, Jeffri Chadiha
Originally, the 27-year-old Darnold was signed as a veteran option with Minnesota planning to use a high draft pick on a quarterback. The Vikings did, tabbing rookie J.J. McCarthy at No. 10 overall. They pushed each other during the offseason before McCarthy suffered a season-ending meniscus injury in his right knee in Minnesota's preseason opener. That left Darnold, viewed externally as a bridge to the future, as the present — and he's consistently proven he's more than competent; he's thriving at the controls of an offense that lets his skill set shine.