Sam Darnold's turnaround tale is one Rams might replicate in near future

At the end of the 2024 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams routed the Minnesota Vikings in a lopsided victory. In the process, the team humbled Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold by sacking him nine times and intercepting him once on the way to a 27-9 final score. The loss was so dramatic that the Vikings allowed Darnold to walk away in free agency.

And that's just what he did.

Sam Darnold had just had a breakout season. It only took him seven years to do so, and even that was not enough to secure him a starting role with his team. But it was enough to catch the eye of the Seattle Seahawks. Darnold did not put up career-high numbers. But for the first time in his NFL career, he played a full season and was sacked less than 30 times.

That minor improvement changed everything for the USC veteran.

There is a lesson here for Rams fans. Super Bowls are not won exclusively by the quarterback with the best statistics. It's a team effort, and Darnold was simply the right fit on a team that needed just enough out of the pocket to allow the offense to hum and the defense to dominate. The Rams rejuvenated quarterback Baker Mayfield several years ago.

Now, which journeyman quarterback might flourish in the Rams' offense?

Who might the Rams target to replicate Sam Darnold's success?

4. Anthony Richardson

The Indianapolis Colts have their own salvage story in rejuvenating former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, making quarterback Anthony Richardson expendable. While still under contract with the Colts, he could be acquired via trade. Chosen with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson has admitted to wanting to play for Los Angeles.

Perhaps it's time to make that dream come true?

3. Trey Lance

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance has yet to deliver on his third-overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft. He has tried to make it work with the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers as well. But so far, no bueno. After five frustrating years, he needs a new lease on his NFL career.

Lance has yet to find the right fit. Perhaps LA's offense won't suit him either, but he has the right frame and collegiate success to make it a risk worth taking.

2. Jake Browning

Cincinnati Bengals backup quarterback Jake Browning is an intriguing possibility. A former Washington University quarterback, Browning has done an admirable job relieving oft-injured Joe Burrow. Despite his 4-6 record as a starting quarterback, Browning has completed 68.5 percent of his passes, and has thrown 18 touchdowns to 15 interceptions.

Browning is a restricted free agent, but he may be worth prying from the Bengals roster, whether by trade or an NFL offer sheet.

1. Zach Wilson

If Darnold can do it, why not former New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson? He is another early selection from the 2021 NFL Draft, second overall, but he never showed command of the Jets offense. He didn't develop for Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, leading to LaFleur joining the Rams coaching staff.

But with LaFleur talking on the head coach role of the Arizona Cardinals, perhaps the time is right for Wilson to reclaim his NFL luster in LA.

Wilson has the most NFL experience of the group. And some NFL team may believe that their coaching staff can turn his career around. But few teams have the LA Rams track record of doing so. And no team offers the chance to be mentored by the NFL's MVP.

As always, thanks for reading.