O'Connell confirms Sam Darnold will start at Vikings training camp - ESPN

EAGAN, Minn. — Sam Darnold will continue as the Minnesota Vikings lead quarterback when training camp opens next month, coach Kevin O'Connell said Wednesday as the team wrapped up its final OTA of the spring. O'Connell stopped short of projecting anything beyond that, saying he plans for a «competitive» training camp at many positions. The Vikings have three other quarterbacks on their roster, including rookie J.J. McCarthy as well as veterans Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall.

«We haven't had to put out a depth chart or anything like that,» O'Connell said, «but yeah, I would say Sam would be the guy I would look to based upon the spring he's had, and really where he's at in his career and his quarterback journey, and what he's been able to do coming in and [hitting] the ground running and taking advantage of a competitive situation.»

O'Connell said he reminded all four quarterbacks that depth charts don't dictate the future, especially as Minnesota started four quarterbacks throughout last season. The head coach has seen improvements from all options behind Darnold, challenging them to stay prepared.

"...I have total understanding that we only control so much in this whole thing, and that's what I've challenged the quarterbacks to do — control what you can, which is your preparation," O'Connell said. «How detailed can you be? Can you stack good periods of practice together? Good days together? And before you know it, you're looking up and it's not about the camp you've had, but it's about your readiness to help the Minnesota Vikings win.»

Darnold agreed March 12 to a one-year contract worth $10 million, one day after incumbent Kirk Cousins agreed to sign with the Atlanta Falcons. The Vikings knew at the time they would likely