His preseason torn meniscus scuttled those plans and Darnold went on to have a great and surprising year. There are no guarantees that Darnold would be able to repeat his success in 2025, and if the Vikings were to bring him back, his $10 million salary would likely rise to the $35-40 million level.

While shelling out big money for Darnold to be its franchise guy wasn't part of Minnesota's initial plans, it's exactly what it should do now.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback and pending free agent Sam Darnold is expected to ink a $120 million deal this offseason.

The Vikings could very well tag Sam Darnold, but if they don't, he should have several options at his disposal during free agency.

Much like other teams entering free agency, it’s unclear who the Vikings’ starting quarterback will be in 2025.

The preseason projections were low because the Vikings had to replace Kirk Cousins and start either rookie J.J. McCarthy or Sam Darnold. Although McCarthy missed the season with a meniscus tear, Darnold had the best season of his professional career.

After being named NFL Coach of the Year on Thursday night, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell continued to praise quarterback Sam Darnold while alluding to the possibility that he’s headed elsewhere in free agency.

Kevin O'Connell was named AP Coach of the Year at the annual NFL Honors on Thursday night, and he couldn't have done it without a breakout season from quarterback Sam Darnold. O'Connell was asked about his Pro Bowl starting quarterback and the ongoing mystery surrounding the team's future plans at the position in New Orleans,