In a span of just two weeks, Sam Darnold went from being hoisted on his teammates’ shoulders in celebration of a career-best regular season to walking off the field in disappointment after the Minnesota Vikings‘ deflating 27-9 wild-card playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The jarring turn of events has raised significant questions about Darnold’s future with the Vikings and whether the team will commit to him long-term.
Darnold’s Devastating Decline
After leading the Vikings to a 14-win season and setting personal bests with 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns, Darnold appeared poised to cash in as an impending free agent. However, his play nosedived in losses to the Rams and Detroit Lions to close out the season:
- 23 off-target throws in the final two games (ESPN Research)
- 11 sacks taken, including 9 vs. the Rams (tied NFL playoff record)
- 82 yards lost on sacks vs. Rams (NFL playoff record)
Darnold acknowledged his role in the sacks, admitting he held the ball too long at times. “It’s up to me to be able to feel that and either step up, move, go run for a first down or just simply throw it away,” he said. Coach Kevin O’Connell noted the missed opportunities, saying “there were some completions to be had” and stressing the importance of checking the ball down to sustain drives.
Once Franchise Tag Candidate, Now Uncertain Future
Darnold’s late-season slide likely cost him tens of millions in his next contract. He went from being a prime candidate for the Vikings’ franchise tag in 2025 to a major question mark. When asked about Darnold’s future, star receiver Justin Jefferson declined to weigh in, comparing it to last year’s situation with Kirk Cousins and saying it’s not his job to decide. The Vikings now face a critical decision at the game’s most important position.
Potential Paths Forward for Vikings at QB
As the Vikings enter the offseason, they have several options to consider at quarterback:
- Re-sign Darnold to a short-term deal and draft his eventual successor
- Let Darnold walk in free agency and pursue a proven veteran starter
- Turn the offense over to 2024 draft pick J.J. McCarthy and build around his rookie contract
Coach O’Connell, who will be at the center of the decision, preached patience and urged everyone to consider Darnold’s full “body of work” this season beyond just the disappointing finish. Still, after getting a taste of postseason success, the pressure will be on the Vikings to make the right move and keep their Super Bowl window open.
Darnold Faces Defining Offseason
For Sam Darnold, this offseason will likely define the trajectory of his NFL career. Will teams view his 2024 performance as a sign he’s finally tapped into his potential as a former top draft pick? Or will his late-season struggles reinforce the doubts that led to his departures from the Jets and Panthers? Darnold himself seemed unsure in the aftermath of the Vikings’ loss.
“I’ll have a lot of time after this to think about what the season entailed, but to be honest I’m just thinking about today and what I could have done better.”
– Sam Darnold on his future after Vikings’ playoff loss
As Darnold and the Vikings go their separate ways for the offseason, both face critical forks in the road. Their journeys may continue together or diverge completely depending on the decisions to come. The only certainty is that after a season of soaring highs and stunning lows, Sam Darnold‘s future has never been more fascinating – or more up in the air.
