Minnesota Vikings Face Uncertain Future After Crushing Playoff Exit and Sam Darnold’s Collapse
Just weeks ago, the Minnesota Vikings were riding high, sitting atop the NFC as 14-game winners with dreams of a Super Bowl run. But in a stunning reversal, their season ended with a whimper—a crushing 31-9 Week 18 loss to the Detroit Lions, followed by a humbling 27-9 playoff defeat to the Los Angeles Rams.
The abrupt end has raised major questions, especially about Sam Darnold, who went from career-best performances to season-worst struggles when the stakes were highest.
Sam Darnold: From Career Year to Catastrophic Finish
Darnold, originally signed as a stopgap quarterback on a one-year, $10 million deal, stepped up in the absence of J.J. McCarthy, who tore his meniscus in the preseason. The seven-year veteran delivered his best season yet, completing 66.2% of his passes for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions, earning a Pro Bowl berth and ranking top-five in passing yards, touchdowns, and passer rating (102.5).
“He was exactly what the Vikings needed for much of the year,” one insider said, highlighting his role in the team’s nine-game winning streak.
But in the season’s two most critical games, Darnold’s play fell apart. Over those contests, his completion rate plummeted to 53.1%, with just one touchdown and one interception. ESPN Research noted his off-target throw rate skyrocketed to 30%, compared to just 12% during his stellar regular season. Adding to the misery, he was sacked 11 times, including a playoff-record-tying nine sacks by the Rams.
Key turnovers, including an untimely interception and a fumble returned for a touchdown, sealed the Vikings’ fate in their playoff loss. By halftime, Minnesota trailed 24-3, a deficit they never recovered from.
What Could Have Been for Darnold?
Had Darnold maintained his regular-season form, he might have been poised for a massive payday. Analysts have drawn comparisons to Jordan Love, who parlayed a breakout 2023 season and playoff heroics into a four-year, $220 million contract with the Packers, averaging $55 million per year. Love’s deal included $160.3 million in guarantees, with $100.8 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Darnold’s performance could have earned him a similar deal, potentially making him the 10th quarterback in the $50 million-per-year club, alongside names like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. The Vikings might even have considered trading J.J. McCarthy to fully commit to Darnold as their long-term franchise quarterback.
What’s Next for the Vikings?
Instead, the Vikings are left with uncertainty. While Darnold could return on a franchise tag, the plan for McCarthy to take over as the starting quarterback in 2025 now seems more likely. The rookie, drafted 10th overall, was expected to be the long-term solution before his preseason injury.
The team’s abrupt downfall also raises broader questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. Can McCarthy shoulder the load in 2025? Will the Vikings gamble on Darnold for another season?
For now, the Vikings face an offseason of tough decisions and a quarterback conundrum that could define their future.
