Sam Darnold isn’t the quarterback SF 49ers must target in 2021

The SF 49ers have been linked to NY Jets quarterback Sam Darnold this offseason, but he’s not the signal-caller who should be targeted.

With the conclusion of Super Bowl 55, we can finally put this dreadful season behind us. This is more than can be said about the quarterback speculation surrounding the SF 49ers.

With so many names linked to the franchise, the NY Jets‘ Sam Darnold isn’t the quarterback the Niners must target in 2021 despite chatter it’s an offseason possibility.

If San Francisco is looking for a clear upgrade from its current starter, Jimmy Garoppolo, Darnold is not necessarily the answer. Yes, Darnold has the good arm strength to go along with instinctual talent. However, his ability to successfully lead a team on a consistent basis is still a work in progress. Why would the SF 49ers move on from a proven winner in Garoppolo just to bring in another body, albeit a healthy one?

Perhaps that’s the answer they’re looking for durability. Since 2018, Garoppolo has missed 23 games due to injury while Darnold only missed 10 within that same timeframe. Now we’ve all heard the phrase, “the best ability is availability.” But when it comes to Jimmy G, his best ability is winning. During that same period from 2018, Garoppolo has played in 35 games while Darnold played in 38. There’s not much of a gap between game experience since they’re only separated by three, so this should make for a good player comparison.

As previously stated, Darnold may have exceptional arm strength and talent but lacks the winning percentage to make for a stronger argument. With a record of 13-25 during his brief three-year career, Darnold has yet to make the playoffs. Garoppolo, on the other hand (26-9), collected two Super Bowl rings while backing up quarterback Tom Brady on the New England Patriots and eventually led his 2019 Niners to Super Bowl 54.

The overall numbers also slightly favor Garoppolo in terms of completion percentage (67.5 to 59.8), touchdown-to-interception ratio (51-26 to 45-39), and sacks taken (76-98).

Does this mean Darnold can’t have success in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense especially considering Darnold wasn’t exactly in a favorable situation in New York? No. Let’s not quite say that, but there’s no need to swap those players in this particular situation.

Even if you want to make a case for all of the other quarterbacks who are rumored to join San Francisco, the same argument can be applied for each scenario: Deshaun Watson (29-27, .518, 56 games), new Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (35-33, .514, 69 games), Dak Prescott (43-29, .597, 72 games), Derek Carr (47-63, .427, 110 games) all have worse winning records than Garoppolo.

These numbers may be a little misleading since we have to factor in overall team success which consists of defense, special teams and coaching schemes. All of these categories have a lot to do with players receiving individual accolades, but guys who are true leaders possess the “it” factor and always find ways to win games.

This is why the Niners brass has been reluctant with pulling the plug on Garoppolo until there’s a viable replacement.

The only significant moves made so far during this young offseason have been quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff being swapped between the LA Rams and Detroit Lions along with a bunch of draft picks, followed by Wentz going to the Colts for a couple of picks as well. When it comes to Detroit and the numerous picks it received, it’s easy to understand why the Lions may have come out of the deal as the clear-cut winners. Only time will tell how successful the organization will become if these picks pan out, but it’s a great position to currently be in.

Now if the Niners are seriously still in the mix for an upgrade at QB, they will have to relinquish quite a bit of draft capital in order to make a splash.

The SF 49ers faced a ton of adversity in 2020, and the upcoming offseason is expected to be just as turbulent. Between pending free agency, the salary cap adjustment and the unpredictable COVID-19 pandemic, San Francisco may once again be forced to weather the storm in 2021.