Sam Darnold’s second straight Jets-esque performance in a primetime game, this one ending the Vikings’ season Monday night in the 27-9 wild-card loss to the Rams, has perhaps helped solidify to Minnesota decision-makers how they should handle their upcoming quarterback controversy.

Should the Vikings pay Darnold after his (mostly) excellent season? Or should they go with McCarthy and spend that money at other positions?

The Minnesota Vikings went out with a whimper on a Monday night, and in the process, Sam Darnold may have cost himself any shot to return as the club's unquestioned starting quarterback. A pleasant surprise for much of an explosive 2024 campaign,

Darnold is among five finalists for the AP Comeback Player Of the Year award. It was the first time in his seven-year career that Darnold was put in a position to start and succeed. The former No. 3-overall pick was traded to the Carolina Panthers after three up-and-down seasons with the New York Jets.

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold's post on social media ahead of free agency drew widespread reactions from NFL fans. The post Vikings QB Sam Darnold Makes Announcement Amid Uncertain Future appeared first on Heavy Sports.