Sam Darnold is set to hit free agency in March after leading the Minnesota Vikings to a surprising 14–3 record and a playoff berth in 2024. The Vikings could either let him walk or bring him back on a new contract or the franchise tag, which would be a one-year deal worth an estimated $42.4 million.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell speaks glowingly of 2024 first-round pick JJ McCarthy and refused to hide the pride he feels recalling Sam Darnold's first year in Minnesota's offensive system.

The Minnesota Vikings shocked the world in 2024. Not many people thought they would be a playoff-caliber team last season, much less win 14 games. That was especially the case when J.J. McCarthy fell with a season-ending injury,