Sam Darnold spent last season with the San Francisco 49ers as Brock Purdy's backup. However, during the offseason, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings, who have since emerged as one of the NFC's top teams.
Darnold has put together an impressive 2024 campaign, throwing for 3,530 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while leading the Vikings to a 12-2 record. His performance has earned him Pro Football Focus' seventh-highest quarterback grade.
The 49ers had hoped to retain Darnold, but head coach Kyle Shanahan understood that the veteran would likely pursue a more lucrative deal elsewhere.
NFL analyst Brian Baldinger weighed in on the 49ers' quarterback situation during an appearance on 95.7 The Game on Tuesday. With Brock Purdy eligible for a contract extension after this season, San Francisco faces a critical decision regarding his long-term value.
Baldinger argues that paying Purdy a top-tier quarterback salary—such as Dak Prescott's league-leading $60 million annually—could significantly hinder the 49ers' ability to maintain a competitive roster. If Purdy fails to develop into a game-changing quarterback, such a financial commitment could have long-term negative consequences for the team.
"Because if you make the wrong decision, and he's a guy that's a declining player, which it sort of looks like right now, then you would be a bottom feeder for a while," Baldinger explained. "And so, it's a very tricky situation right now."
Purdy struggled in last week's 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, completing just 45.2% of his passes for 142 yards and an interception. Though he remains on pace for around 3,900 passing yards this season, his inconsistent play—especially since suffering a shoulder injury in Week 11—has raised questions about his status as a legitimate franchise quarterback.
"They needed one play to win that game (against the Rams) and to stay in the race," Baldinger said. "They couldn't make one play, and that's on the quarterback. ... I was the biggest Brock Purdy fan and defender for three years, but they need to make one play against the Rams and they couldn't make one play."
When asked what he would tell 49ers general manager John Lynch if Purdy's camp demanded top-five quarterback money, Baldinger boldly said, "I'd say I go flip him for Sam Darnold right now."
Baldinger explained, "[Darnold] learned what a first-class franchise [was like], game planning, how to build a team [during his time with the 49ers]. He saw that for the first time in his life. Now, you get [Vikings head coach] Kevin O'Connell, who's an elite play-caller with a very, very good offense that has a real style to it, and he's flourishing."
Despite Darnold's success, the Vikings face their own decision with first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy, who suffered a torn meniscus in the preseason and has yet to make his NFL debut.
"I would be having a conversation with Minnesota to see what it would take to get Sam Darnold back," Baldinger suggested.
Darnold is set to become a free agent after the season, which means a call to Minnesota might not even be necessary. However, Baldinger made it clear that he would favor Darnold over Purdy if the 49ers are faced with paying significant money for a quarterback.
"He's bigger, stronger, more athletic," Baldinger said of Darnold. "He's bigger and stronger than what Brock is. Or can you play with both of them at a modicum of salary and afford both, and, I don't know, have a competition?"
You can listen to Baldinger's entire interview below.