5 NFL Quarterbacks Who Could Follow Sam Darnold’s Career Path

Darnold went from a franchise savior to an NFL bust to a journeyman backup to a Super Bowl winner. What other quarterbacks could have mid-career breakouts?

Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks reacts after defeating the New England Patriots 29–13 to win Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Feb. 8, 2026. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Sam Darnold’s career path is one out of a Disney movie. He went from being a highly touted, early drafted quarterback who was initially labeled a bust to a journeyman who suited up for five teams over six seasons to a Super Bowl-winning QB.

Others have had somewhat similar routes—like Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith, who each didn’t find their footing until landing on their fourth NFL teams, only to then become multi-time Pro Bowlers with those franchises. But no one has reached the highest of highs quite like Darnold, the former No. 3 overall pick in 2018.

Now, every general manager across the NFL will be searching for the next Sam Darnold—a quarterback who just needs the right system to flourish. That player could be a current backup who was once a starter, a backup who’s never truly gotten an opportunity as a full-time starter, or even a starter who has fully reached his potential. There are a number of candidates who could fit the bill of that description, but these have the best chance of emulating the Sam Darnold story.

Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts

Had Jones not ruptured his Achilles tendon last season, he could have very well mirrored Darnold’s run to the Super Bowl in 2025. Both were former first round picks in New York who were teammates in 2024 with the Vikings before landing with new teams last season.

Jones finally hit his stride with a competent franchise in the Colts and had them off to an 8–2 start before a broken leg bone eventually manifested into a torn tendon. He had career highs in passer rating, QBR, and completion percentage, showing why he was anointed as Eli Manning’s heir apparent when drafted sixth overall by the Giants in 2019. Jones is unlikely to be available for the start of the 2026 NFL season and is an impending free agent, but Indy will likely do whatever it can to retain his services.

Malik Willis, Green Bay Packers

The third QB drafted in 2022, then with the Tennessee Titans, Willis went his first 12 games (three starts) and 69 pass attempts before throwing his first touchdown pass. That came after joining the Packers in 2024, and he’s shown glimpses of promise in filling in for Jordan Love over the last two years.

While Willis couldn’t throw a touchdown in the first half of his career, he hasn’t been able to throw a pick—obviously a good thing—in the second. He has no interceptions versus 6 touchdowns over his last 94 pass attempts, and he also adds a rushing element. He’s averaged 44.8 rushing yards as a starter, with four scores over six games. Willis will be an unrestricted free agent for the 2026 season.

Mac Jones, San Francisco 49ers

Jones was a Pro Bowler as a rookie with the Patriots in 2021, but it was all downhill from there. He flamed out in New England, struggled as a backup in his hometown of Jacksonville in 2024, and then signed with San Francisco in 2025. Under the tutelage of QB guru Kyle Shanahan, Jones kept the 49ers afloat while Brock Purdy was hurt by posting a 5–3 record.

Jones and Purdy had nearly identical passer ratings, yards per attempt, completion percentages, and touchdown-to-interception ratios. The former is under contract with the 49ers for one more year, but don’t be surprised if a QB-needy team comes calling and makes San Francisco a trade offer it can’t refuse.

Gardner Minshew, Kansas City Chiefs

Minshew doesn’t get enough credit for his early work with the Jaguars (2019–20) when he posted 37 touchdowns versus 11 interceptions. While his starting record sticks out (7–13), it’s worth noting that Jacksonville went 0–12 during that time frame in games in which Minshew did not start.

After spending two years as an Eagles backup, Minshew got another chance as starter in 2023 with the Colts, and again, did not disappoint. He was a Pro Bowler for a top 10 scoring offense that saw RB Jonathan Taylor miss seven games. He had both his 2024 season, with the Raiders, and 2025 season, with the Chiefs, end with season-ending injuries, which will likely stem his market as a free agent. However, Minshew has shown that he can do more with less, so he’s hoping to finally get the chance to display what he can do when surrounded by talent.

Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals

Playing for six teams in his career, Brissett has the classic look of a journeyman backup QB, but with Arizona last year, he showed he could potentially be more than that. Brissett was much more productive than Kyler Murray at a fraction of the cost, as Murray made $43.3 million, while Brissett’s salary was $5.3 million.

The latter owns the lowest interception rate in NFL history. That means no QB throws picks at a lower percentage than Brissett, who had a 23:8 TD:INT a year ago. That came with an Arizona team that had the second-worst run game and a presumed No. 1 wideout in Marvin Harrison Jr. who has greatly underachieved through two NFL seasons. With a new coaching staff taking over in Arizona, and with Murray seemingly on his way out of town, Brissett should enter training camp as the Cardinals’ QB1.