Sam Darnold’s Historic Vikings Season
The Minnesota Vikings have been one of the biggest stories of the 2024 NFL regular season thus far, as their 14-2 record has them among the league’s premier teams vying for this year’s Superbowl. Their success can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as stellar playcalling and an extremely good defense. However, quarterback Sam Darnold’s stellar play has been one of the biggest reasons for the Vikings’ success.
Darnold, who signed a one-year deal with Minnesota, has been an absolute revelation for a team that sought answers to the quarterback position after the former incumbent quarterback on the roster, Kirk Cousins, departed for Atlanta during free agency this past offseason.
Though initially viewed as a bridge-type quarterback for a team that just drafted the highly-touted J.J. McCarthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Darnold has exceeded expectations in Minnesota. Not only has he played himself into a lucrative contract next season, but Darnold has firmly put Minnesota in Super Bowl contention while gaining consideration for the league’s MVP award.
This success that Darnold has seen with his impending free agency looming has sparked various discussions about his future in Minnesota. Many believe that he has earned a new contract in Minnesota with his play, while others think that Minnesota should still look to move on from Darnold in favor of McCarthy next offseason.
Regardless of what the future holds for Darnold in Minnesota, fans should remember: the season he is having is a historic one for the organization, and we should savor and enjoy what he has done for the franchise thus far.
The Statistics
Statistically, Darnold’s 2024 season for the club has been one of the best performances by a quarterback in team history. So far this season, Darnold has thrown for 4,153 yards, which ranks fourth by a Vikings quarterback in a single season.
His 35 touchdowns rank second in a single season, and he has a chance to break Daunte Culpepper’s record of 39 when the Vikings face off against the Detroit Lions for the NFC North crown this Sunday.
Darnold’s efficiency at the quarterback position has probably been the brightest spot of his 2024 season thus far.
Recently, Darnold became the first quarterback in Vikings history to boast a passer rating over 100 in 13 games or more during the regular season. Against the Atlanta Falcons, Darnold amassed a rating of 157.9, which set a new single-game franchise record for Minnesota. As it stands today, Darnold’s season rating of 106.4 places him fourth all-time for a passer in the Vikings’ single-season history.
In a season filled with milestones and record-breaking performances, Darnold has statistically proven himself to be a cornerstone of the Vikings’ success in 2024. As the team prepares for their crucial showdown with the Detroit Lions, Darnold’s contributions have not only elevated the Vikings’ offense but have also cemented his place among the franchise’s all-time great quarterbacks and this season as one of the best in the franchise’s history.
Winning
Winning is the most crucial statistic in the NFL, and Darnold has delivered a historic 2024 season for the Vikings in that regard. After beating the Green Bay Packers in Week 17, Darnold set a franchise record for wins in a season by a starting quarterback with 14, passing the previous record of Randall Cunningham, who won 13 games for the team in 1998.
Darnold’s current win streak of nine games is the third-longest in franchise history and the longest stretch of wins that the Vikings have seen since 1975 when they won ten consecutive games.
Darnold’s ability to consistently deliver victories has been a testament to his poise and leadership under pressure. Throughout the season, he has guided the team to crucial wins in high-stakes matchups and has delivered his best play when the team has needed it the most. His knack for maintaining composure in critical moments has not only solidified his status as a top quarterback but has also instilled confidence in a Vikings team ready for postseason success.
As we enter the final weekend of the NFL regular season, Darnold and the Vikings sit in prime position to win their final game against the Detroit Lions and secure the top seed for the NFC in the upcoming playoffs.
A victory in Detroit would secure home-field advantage for the Vikings, ensuring that the NFC wing of the playoff bracket runs through Minnesota. But even if the Vikings lose, Darnold will have an opportunity to carry his regular season success into the postseason in an attempt to accomplish another first for the Minnesota Vikings: winning the elusive Super Bowl.
What Happens Next Season?
Many have already begun to speculate what happens between Darnold and the Vikings during the upcoming offseason period. This is fair speculation, as Darnold’s contract is set to expire when the new league year begins for 2025, and he looks to be the top quarterback option in the current, pending free agent pool.
While Minnesota has the option to re-sign him, the cost may be prohibitive. Analysts project Darnold could command a multi-year deal worth upwards of $40 million annually, a price tag that might be too steep for the Vikings to match given their other roster needs.
Letting Darnold test free agency is another option and would also open the door for former first-round pick McCarthy to take the reins. However, this approach carries significant risks. McCarthy, whose 2024 season was cut short by injury, would enter 2025 as the only quarterback under contract, raising concerns about his readiness to lead the team after such a limited rookie campaign.
This uncertainty complicates the decision for a team that just achieved a franchise-best 14 wins under Darnold’s quarterbacking.
Another option on the table is for them to use the franchise tag, which would keep Darnold in Minnesota for at least one more season. This solution provides short-term stability, allowing McCarthy additional time to heal and develop while maintaining the core roster for another playoff push.
However, the cost of the tag could impact the team’s ability to address other pressing needs at cornerback, offensive line, defensive line, and running back when free agency begins.
While the decision that the Vikings will make on Darnold next offseason will undoubtedly shape the team’s future, fans should focus on the present and savor what has been a truly remarkable season. With 14 wins, record-breaking performances, and a cohesive team firing on all cylinders, the Vikings are poised for a special postseason run.
As Minnesota continues its quest for the first-ever Super Bowl, now is the time for fans to rally behind Darnold and this historic team and enjoy the journey that could lead to the ultimate prize: a Lombardi Trophy.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this article.