The seasoned 49ers quarterback is expected to sign with the Bucs.
QB Sam Darnold of the 49ers is anticipated to sign with the Bucs Updated at 21:21 on December 29, 2023 by John Lynch Getty Sam Darnold could be granted free agency by John Lynch.
Sam Darnold, the quarterback that San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch selected this year, may be moving to Lynch’s previous team in the offseason.
According to Spotrac, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be the team with the most quarterback requirements in 2024. The Buccaneers need veteran experience as well, even though Baker Mayfield is free to go.
The Buccaneers want to sign Darnold to a “one-year, $2 million deal to bolster the quarterback cap space” in the upcoming season, according to Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac.
Behind Mayfield, the only players for the Pirates are third baseman John Wolford and former second-round selection Kyle Trask.
Ginnitti believes the Niners will take a chance on Mac Jones, the quarterback for the New England Patriots, even though the 49ers could easily obtain Darnold.
Jones was benched this season due to his problems, therefore Ginnitti predicts that the former number fifteen pick might be selected in the seventh round of the draft. Whether Jones would pass Darnold is the question.
Given Brock Purdy’s injury history and inconsistent performance over the past two seasons, the 49ers need to comprehend this question.
Furthermore, the 49ers are fully aware that injuries can happen at any time, since numerous NFL clubs have already lost starting quarterbacks this season. It cost the 49ers a Super Bowl trip the previous season.
Which Is More Logical, Sam Darnold or Mac Jones? In fact, San Francisco was forced to choose between Darnold and Jones—two once highly regarded quarterbacks in the AFC East—who did not enjoy playing for their original teams.
Despite being a starter for four years, Darnold has not produced a winning season since joining the league with the New York Jets in 2018.
In every season that he participated in more than 11 games, he also never threw for less than 11 interceptions or more than 19 touchdowns.
San Francisco is a prime example of what it is currently capable of. In eight games, Darnold completed 60 percent of his throws on 12 of 20 attempts for 108 yards and a touchdown.
The majority of that was in Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens, and he was unable to beat the 49ers despite having a fantastic opportunity.
In a 33–19 loss, he completed one touchdown pass but failed to get his team within a point of the Ravens’ 10-yard line. Despite having a disastrous third season with the Patriots, Jones was more successful than Darnold.
Leading the Patriots to 3,801 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns in the playoffs—more than Darnold managed in a season—Jones made an impression as a rookie. Jones didn’t retire, though, until after 2021.
In 2023, he was a quarterback for the 6-8 Patriots, throwing for 2,997 yards and 14 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. This season, Jones finished with a 2-9 record in 11 starts, 2,120 yards, and 10 touchdowns versus 12 interceptions.
San Francisco could accommodate both Mac Jones and Sam Darnold. Two former first-round quarterbacks sitting behind the former Mr. Irrelevant, now that would be something. In the event that the 49ers trade Jones and re-sign Darnold, that might occur. T
After the season, third-string quarterback Brandon Allen might become a free agent, so there might be space in San Francisco.
The 49ers now have a quarterback position that is packed with three players who have a lot of starting experience.
For Heavy.com, Matthew Davis writes about the NFL with an emphasis on the San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Since 2016, he has also covered Minnesota prep athletics as a journalist for the StarTribune. Find out more about Matthew Davis.
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