Reporter calls Sam Darnold ‘most talented thrower’ in 49ers history

One sports reporter maintains that San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold could be named the “most talented thrower in 49ers history.”

During offseason workouts, the California-born quarterback has made a strong impression on NBC Sports San Francisco’s Matt Maiocco. According to him, Darnold’s arm strength and accuracy are unmatched by any of the 49ers’ previous quarterbacks.

“Sam Darnold might be — can I say this — the most talented thrower of the football that the 49ers have ever had,” Maiocco said during a recent appearance on Murph & Mac Podcast on Thursday.

KNBR

2023-05-06 13:24

Sam Darnold just T’d up Christian McCaffrey 😂 https://t.co/edcMOsfJxP

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Maiocco said that Darnold belongs in the top tier of quarterbacks who can effortlessly throw the ball from the pocket – a crucial skill for NFL quarterbacks.

“I think that he hasn’t really had any chance to succeed since his college days are over,” Maiocco said. “I think he’s had four head coaches in five years, five offensive coordinators in five years. He’s a talented guy.”

Darnold’s tenures with Jets, Panthers

Darnold was selected by the New York Jets as the third overall pick in the 2018 draft and played with them for three seasons.

Later, he played two seasons with the Carolina Panthers before signing a one-year contract with the 49ers. His deal is worth $4.5 million, potentially increasing to $11.5 million if he meets certain performance incentives.

JPAFootball

2023-05-06 13:24

New #49ers QB Sam Darnold is at the #Warriors game with Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle https://t.co/HKqWy4ye28

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In 2022, Darnold started six games with the Panthers, during which he threw for 1,143 yards and seven touchdowns, completing 58.6 percent of his passes. He ran for 106 yards and two touchdowns.

Throughout his five seasons with the Jets and Panthers, Darnold’s starting record was 21-34. He is competing with Trey Lance and Brock Purdy for the starting quarterback position in 2023, although he is considered a long shot compared to the other two.

While the young quarterback has yet to play for the 49ers – a team known for producing quarterback legends like Joe Montana and Steve Young – many hope he will follow in their footsteps.