Overview

• Sam Darnold has led the Vikings to a 10-2 record, delivering a career-best season with 2,952 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and a 67.6% completion rate in 12 games.
• Head coach Kevin O’Connell assured Darnold that Daniel Jones’ signing to the practice squad does not threaten his current or future role with the team.
• Daniel Jones, recently signed for $375,000 after his release from the New York Giants, is viewed as a short-term addition rather than a long-term solution.
• The Vikings face a challenging offseason with Darnold set to become a free agent, where his market value is projected to exceed $32 million annually.
• Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, sidelined this season with a torn meniscus, is expected to return in 2025, further complicating Minnesota's quarterback plans.