The Vikings Have 2024’s Best Free Agent Signing
The Minnesota Vikings’ free agency signings of 2024 have proved to be a roaring success for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
Several players have come in and played to a high standard, contributing to the Vikings’ success this season. The Vikings have 2024s best FA signing, at least according to Pro Football Focus.
The Vikings Have 2024’s Best Free Agent Signing
PFF ranked their top 20 free agent signings of 2024 judged by their performance and impact on their perspective teams. At the top of the list is a Minnesota Vikings, and that man is Sam Darnold. Given the importance of the quarterback position, it’s not a huge surprise to see Darnold top this list.
The only other QB who made the list was Russell Wilson who came in at number four.
PFF had this to say regarding Darnold as their top choice;
When the Vikings signed Darnold to a one-year, $10 million deal this offseason, few viewed him as anything more than a temporary starter — a placeholder until JJ McCarthy would take the reins. Instead, Darnold has finally played like the top-flight quarterback prospect that some never gave up on. Among qualifying quarterbacks, Darnold ranks fifth in PFF passing grade (84.4), sixth in PFF overall grade (86.4), second in big-time throw rate (6.9%) and fifth in wins above replacement (2.50). Darnold’s play is one of the foremost reasons the Vikings sit at 11-2 and as a legitimate contender in a year where many expected a rebuild.
It’s amazing to think that during the preseason, there was no certainty that Darnold would ever start a game for the Vikings. McCarthy seemed to be making a claim to start straight away before the injury ended that discussion. With a full season to show what he can do, Darnold has grasped the opportunity. Things got off to a great start, but then there was a major bump in the road with some poor performances, culminating with the three-interception game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Many were ready to declare that the real Darnold, who had struggled so much at this previous teams, was coming out. Instead, he got better with a four-game stretch with no interceptions, leading to the five-touchdown pass game last time out that earned him the NFC Player of the Week award. He adds the accolade of the NFC Player of the Month award he won in September, with the possibility of more. Darnold is on the fringe of MVP and All-Pro discussion, but a vote for the Pro Bowl looks very attainable.
One More Viking Makes the Top 10
Darnold wasn’t the only Viking player on the list. Coming in at number 8 is Vikings edge defender Jonathan Greenard. Here is what PFF had to say about his inclusion:
After a breakout 2023, Greenard has been arguably even better in 2024 in Minnesota. He has totaled a second-best 60 pressures to go along with nine sacks, 32 stops and two forced fumbles. Greenard has also compiled PFF pass-rushing and run-defense grades of at least 72.7, but his high missed tackle rate (27.1%) slots him just below Hunter despite equally impressive campaigns.
The decision to move on from Danielle Hunter has worked perfectly for the Vikings. Hunter is still very good and comes in at seven on this list, but the Vikings got younger and cheaper at the position, while Greenard has matched Hunter and the other top edge defenders in the league with his production.
The saving also helped the Vikings afford to add Andrew Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman to the roster. Both of whom consider themselves unfortunate not to make this list.
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