Minnesota was intrigued with Darnold after he spent time learning from 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, one of the league’s best offensive minds. Kevin O’Connell built on that, helping get Darnold selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time.

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has been named the 2024 Most Improved Player of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). It isn't an official NFL award — though it arguably should be — but this is a cool honor for Darnold nonetheless.

Signed by the Vikings in March on a one-year, $10 million deal, Darnold — starting over injured rookie J.J. McCarthy, who underwent surgery for his meniscus during preseason — helped lead Minnesota to a 14-3 regular season record that boasted a nine-game win streak.

Sam Darnold’s 2024 season ended with two ugly performances, but he will still be a highly-coveted asset when free agency begins in March. He not only played the best football of his career for most of the season,

Don't be surprised if the Las Vegas Raiders target Sam Darnold in free agency this offseason. "At Pick 6, [the Raiders] are out of range for a

Sam Darnold has had a tumultuous career, having started his career with the very worst and now been given the chance to finally prove his worth. With Minnesota continuing on with JJ McCarthy, that leaves the question of where he heads next.