A couple of other quarterbacks fit that pattern, and the Twins, Lynx, Gophers and North Stars all have made boom-and-bust hires.

Sam Darnold piled up stats this season, charmed the fanbase and probably earned himself a nice payday in the process. But will he get it from the Vikings?

Should the Vikings pay Darnold after his (mostly) excellent season? Or should they go with McCarthy and spend that money at other positions?

Sam Darnold’s second straight Jets-esque performance in a primetime game, this one ending the Vikings’ season Monday night in the 27-9 wild-card loss to the Rams, has perhaps helped solidify to Minnesota decision-makers how they should handle their upcoming quarterback controversy.

Several NFL teams need a franchise quarterback and Darnold proved he can be that guy in Minnesota, becoming the first quarterback to record 14 wins in his first season with a team. He’s set to become a sought-after free agent unless the Vikings place a franchise tag on him.

Quarterback Sam Darnold’s disappointing finish to this Vikings season does not close the door on him returning to the team in 2025. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah told reporters during Thursday’s season-ending news conference that Darnold is among the “good options” the Vikings have at quarterback moving forward.

The Minnesota Vikings must eventually choose between Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy, but there may be a surprise factor in the equation. The post Vikings Expected to Consider $160 Million QB as Sam Darnold Replacement appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Quarterback Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings had an amazing season that ended poorly and in this column we will discuss what the future holds for him.

Despite leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-win season for the first time since the turn of the century, quarterback Sam Darnold is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. And it's long been believed he doesn't fit into the team's long-term plans.