Patrick Mahomes cited as example for Matthew Stafford trade rumors despite Sam Darnold’s MVP-esque season

Minnesota Vikings are actively looking at Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford to take over from Sam Darnold.

Patrick Mahomes cited as example for Matthew Stafford trade rumors despite Sam Darnold’s MVP-esque season

Minnesota Vikings looking at Matthew Stafford over Sam Darnold similarly to Patrick Mahomes taking over Alex Smith (Image via Imago/X)

A little more than a week is left before the NFL trade deadline passes. With many teams already concluding their business early, some notable names have already moved, especially with teams looking to upgrade their needs.

But Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold has done a terrific job so far. Yet, there are increasing rumors that the franchise looking at Matthew Stafford.

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As soon as the rumors came to light, it sparked a series of debates. The most obvious question mark was why the team would have so far exceeded expectations looking to make a run for another quarterback. They have rookie JJ McCarthy standing in line to take over once he is back healthy.

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On top of that, Sam Darnold has led this team to a 5-2 run on the back of some consistently good play. Add to that, the Los Angeles Rams quarterback is nearly ten years older than Darnold. Therefore, this desire by the Vikings to enter trade talks has come as a surprise. But long-time analyst Colin Cowherd isn’t surprised.

Kevin O’Connell is an offensive head coach. And offensive coaches in this league move off good. Andy Reid moved off Pro Bowler Alex Smith (for Patrick Mahomes). McVay moved off Super Bowl QB Jared Goff. Sam Darnold’s good, but as good as he is, he doesn’t look as good as Goff in the pocket or Stafford in the pocket.

Colin Cowherd said on The Herd

The long-time analyst referenced how Andy Reid moved aside Alex Smith, a Pro Bowler, to make space for Patrick Mahomes. As he felt that to get over the hump, they felt a ‘good’ Smith is not enough. That move has led them to three Super Bowls. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell wants to do the same.

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Matthew Stafford vs. Sam Darnold

The Minnesota Vikings is Sam Darnold’s fourth team in seven seasons. There is a reason why he was booted from the first two until he developed in a backup role with the San Francisco 49ers last season. The Vikings signed him as their backup, but injuries to JJ McCarthy made him the starter.

Sam Darnold has played his best ball of his career this season
Sam Darnold has played the best ball of his career this season (Image via X)

In their seven games so far, Sam Darnold is sitting on 14 touchdowns and five interceptions. Pretty good numbers for a backup. But for an offensive coach such as Kevin O’Connell, the difference between his QB and Matthew Stafford was evident in the past two games.

In those two games, Sam Darnold has been unable to get his team over that hump. He lost to strong defenses both times, failing to score a touchdown in seven of his eight second-half drives. On the contrary, the likes of Matthew Stafford shook off an early second-half interception to throw two touchdowns.

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The Minnesota Vikings feel they have a team capable of contending for a Super Bowl. Their Brian Flores-led defense is playing lights out and their offensive firepower is good enough so far. But to be great, they need a much better QB, another elite WR, which explains why they are looking at Stafford and his teammate Cooper Kupp.