In year eight, we’ll finally see the developed versions of 2018’s top quarterback prospects go head-to-head. Four years ago, both were fighting to hang on to backup jobs and seemed to be ‘busts’. But good organizations, good coaching and playing in the NFC West were all they needed to prove the doubters wrong.

The top two QB’s in the 2018 NFL Draft, Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield, meet on Sunday, seven years after being the 1st and 3rd overall picks. They both failed to secure a second contract with the dysfunctional New York Jets and Cleveland Browns teams that drafted them, and moved to Carolina in their fourth- and fifth-years, respectively- sharing a brief stint as teammates on the Panthers in 2022.

After posting poor records with the Panthers, both were relatively written off among the league. Mayfield was cut on December 5, 2022, and Darnold became a free agent after the season. But both signed with stable NFC West franchises and found their first steps towards revival.

Mayfield signed with the Los Angeles Rams the day after being cut and started their Thursday Night Football game just two days after joining the team. He led them to a 17-16 comeback win over the Las Vegas Raiders, going 22-for-35 with 230 passing yards in a new offense, and sparked belief in his abilities once again.

He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the following free agency period and has made the Pro Bowl in each of his two years as their starting QB. He also finished third in Comeback Player of the Year (CPoY) voting in 2023, and finished eleventh in both Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Offensive Player of the Year voting in 2024. He earned a three-year, $100 million deal prior to 2024, and has solidified his place with the team long-term.

Darnold signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 free agency. While he backed up Brock Purdy for most of the year, he was finally able to play for a winning team- who also happened to prioritize his development.

He appeared in ten games, getting valuable reps during blowouts and in injury relief throughout the season. He got one start in Week 18, in which he lost a close battle to the aforementioned Rams, but went 16-for-26 with 189 passing yards as well as 7 rushes for 19 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He earned a one-year deal contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, where he beat out 10th overall pick J.J. McCarthy in training camp for the starting job- and finally delivered on his 3rd overall pick potential.

Darnold started all 17 games and led his team to a 14-3 record. He made his first Pro Bowl, placed third in CPoY voting and placed tenth in MVP voting. After entering free agency as one of the top quarterbacks on the open market, the Seattle Seahawks handed Darnold a three-year, $100.5 million deal, entrusting him with the keys to their offense after trading Geno Smith to the Raiders.

Now, each are starting for NFC contenders and will match up against each other on Sunday. While their styles of play differ, their career paths look strikingly the same- from their draft slots, dysfunctional times in their rookie deals, and NFC West revivals to their nearly identical award voting finishes and current contracts.

Mayfield told ESPN this week that he and Darnold keep in touch over their shared experiences. Jenna Laine posted this quote in her article Wednesday where he speaks about the two’s shared story.

“Sam and I are really close. I’m happy for him — from going to a couple different places that weren’t great for us to having a good opportunity elsewhere, it’s fun to see. I knew he just needed that chance, and he’s thriving now. It’s good to see, but hopefully not this weekend.”

While they’ll be excited to face off against each other, the two have been pitted against each other plenty of times before. The humanity of seeing each other on their last legs in Carolina after being projected with such bright futures gave them a gratitude that’s reflected in how poised both have become.