Sam Darnold Traded to Indianapolis Colts

Former Vikings’ QB Joins Colts

Move Bolsters Colts’ Quarterback Depth

In a surprise move, the Minnesota Vikings have traded quarterback Sam Darnold to the Indianapolis Colts for a conditional sixth-round draft pick in 2023. The trade was announced Tuesday, August 30, 2023, just days before the start of the regular season.

Darnold, 26, was acquired by the Vikings in a trade with the Carolina Panthers in February 2022. He started 11 games for the Vikings in 2022, completing 64.9% of his passes for 2,218 yards, nine touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He also rushed for 113 yards and one touchdown.

The Colts were in need of a quarterback after veteran Matt Ryan was injured in the preseason. Ryan is expected to miss several weeks with a sprained MCL.

Darnold will compete with Nick Foles for the starting quarterback job in Indianapolis. Foles, 33, started 11 games for the Colts in 2022, completing 67.3% of his passes for 2,547 yards, 17 touchdowns, and four interceptions.

The trade for Darnold is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Colts. If Darnold can play well, he could be a valuable addition to the team. If he doesn't, the Colts only gave up a conditional sixth-round draft pick.

For the Vikings, the trade of Darnold clears the way for Kellen Mond to be the backup quarterback behind Kirk Cousins. Mond, 24, was a third-round pick by the Vikings in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The trade is a win-win for both teams. The Colts get a potential starting quarterback, and the Vikings get a conditional draft pick and clear the way for Mond to be the backup quarterback.