Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Drew Lock

Tuesday, January 14, 4:51 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold resurrected his career by leading the Vikings to 14 wins in 2024 while posting career-highs in passing yards (4,319) and touchdowns (35), but he came crashing down hard in losses to the Detroit Lions in Week 18 and the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round in which he had a combined 23 off-target throws and took 11 sacks. Darnold's future is now as unsettled as ever as he heads toward free agency in March, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that Darnold is still the top free-agent QB. The teams that Fowler has spoken with recently forecasted Darnold in the Geno Smith/Baker Mayfield weight class of contracts. Mayfield got a three-year, $100 million deal last offseason with Tampa, while Smith signed a three-year, $75 million deal before the 2023 season. Darnold tanked to end the year, but he did enough to find work as a starter somewhere else if Minnesota doesn't want him back.

Sunday, January 5, 5:17 PM

New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock threw for 138 yards, one touchdown, and one interception off 22-for-29 passing in Sunday's loss to the Eagles. The signal-caller tossed four touchdowns in the Week 17 win over the Indianapolis Colts. However, he cooled off significantly in this one. With the Giants done until September, Lock will finish the 2024-25 campaign by totaling 1,071 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions through the air and adding two scores on the ground. The G-Men will presumably be on the hunt for their quarterback of the future this offseason. While there is a chance New York brings Lock back in free agency, he likely won't find himself starting next season, regardless of what team he is on. But even if he does start somewhere, he'll need to prove he's worthy of a spot on fantasy rosters.