Sam Darnold’s Career Revival: The Vikings’ Unexpected MVP Contender
EAGAN, Minn. — It’s not every day that a quarterback’s career gets a second wind, but Sam Darnold is proving that sometimes, all it takes is the right environment and a little faith. For Darnold, the turning point came on April 25, 43 days after he signed a one-year free agent deal with the Minnesota Vikings. That morning, head coach Kevin O’Connell called him into his office for a meeting that would set the tone for the season ahead.
It was draft day, and the Vikings were preparing to select their quarterback of the future. That pick turned out to be Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, taken at No. 10 overall. But O’Connell made it clear to Darnold that he wasn’t just a placeholder. The rookie wouldn’t be rushed onto the field, and Darnold had a real opportunity to contribute to the team’s success. For a player who had been through three teams in five seasons, this vote of confidence was a game-changer.
Fast forward to today, and Darnold has not only seized the opportunity but has also become the centerpiece of an 11-2 Vikings team. As they prepare to face the Chicago Bears on Monday night (8:20 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC), Darnold is hearing chants of “MVP” from the home crowd. It’s a remarkable turnaround for a player many had written off.
A Career-Best Season
Let’s talk numbers. Through 13 games, Darnold has thrown 28 touchdown passes, shattering his previous career-best of 19 set in 2019 with the Jets. Over the past month, he’s been on fire, throwing for 1,158 yards, 11 touchdowns, and zero interceptions in four games. He’s also led three game-winning drives and tops the league in completions on passes of at least 15 air yards. If he keeps this pace, he’s on track for a 4,100-yard, 35-touchdown season.
“He’s playing so well,” O’Connell said. “And he’s so rooted in the moment.”
But Darnold’s success has created a dilemma for the Vikings. While many assumed the team would let him walk in free agency and hand the reins to McCarthy, sources say the Vikings are more open-minded than people realize. They haven’t ruled out offering Darnold a contract for 2025, though much will depend on whether he receives a more lucrative offer elsewhere.
What’s Next for Darnold?
When asked about his future, Darnold has been careful not to speculate. “There’s no other place I’d rather play,” he told Fox Sports earlier this month. “Just so grateful to be a Viking.”
Still, the league is taking notice. Darnold ranks first on ESPN’s list of pending free agent quarterbacks, ahead of players like Justin Fields. Comparisons to Baker Mayfield’s resurgence with the Buccaneers are inevitable. Mayfield signed a one-year, $4 million deal, then parlayed a strong season into a three-year, $100 million contract. Could Darnold follow a similar path?
- Franchise Tag: The Vikings could apply the franchise tag to Darnold, costing roughly $40 million for 2025.
- Long-Term Deal: They could offer him a contract similar to Mayfield’s before free agency begins.
- Trade: Another option is tagging and trading him to a quarterback-needy team.
At 28 years old, Darnold is entering his prime, and the Vikings must decide if they’re willing to risk letting him go. The last time a young quarterback left under similar circumstances, it was Drew Brees leaving the Chargers for the Saints in 2006. We all know how that turned out.
The McCarthy Factor
Of course, the Vikings’ decision will also hinge on McCarthy’s readiness. The rookie has spent the season recovering from a torn meniscus, using innovative methods like helmet-camera footage and virtual reality to stay sharp. While he’s made progress, former Vikings GM Rick Spielman isn’t convinced he’s ready to take over.
“He’s a rookie,” Spielman said. “He hasn’t done one thing since that surgery except rehab. So you’re starting from square one with him.”
O’Connell, however, remains optimistic. “He’s really getting to a place where he’s healthy,” the coach said. “He’s learning, not just the top layer. He’s really trying to consume a lot of information as if he was playing.”
Playoff Push and Beyond
For now, the Vikings are focused on the present. With an 11-2 record, they’ve already exceeded expectations and have the NFL’s seventh-best chance to win the Super Bowl, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index. Darnold, for his part, is staying locked in.
“I’ve kind of always understood how important it is to be where my feet are,” he said. “Because when you’re not, when you start thinking about things in the future or things that might have happened in the past, you stop [focusing on] what’s important.”
Whether Darnold’s future lies in Minnesota or elsewhere, one thing is clear: he’s proven he belongs in the NFL. And as the Vikings push for a deep playoff run, Darnold’s resurgence is a story worth watching.
Originally Written by: Kevin Seifert
