Settling into the offseason at the conclusion of Super Bowl LIX, the Minnesota Vikings need to figure out exactly what they plan to do with Sam Darnold. Too good to let loose on the market, not good enough to sign to an expensive long-term deal,

With Sam Darnold expected to leave the Minnesota Vikings in free agency, his rumored destination favorite should make things much easier for his former team to move on from him in favor of J.J. McCarthy.

Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson gave his take during Super Bowl media week, predicting the team to re-sign Darnold while saying McCarthy will get his shot. Jefferson said on Thursday:

The Vikings' quarterback conundrum figures to be been one of the hottest topics of NFL conversation this winter in Minnesota and throughout the league. Kevin O'Connell discusses the matter on NFL Network on Friday.

The preseason projections were low because the Vikings had to replace Kirk Cousins and start either rookie J.J. McCarthy or Sam Darnold. Although McCarthy missed the season with a meniscus tear, Darnold had the best season of his professional career.

After being named NFL Coach of the Year on Thursday night, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell continued to praise quarterback Sam Darnold while alluding to the possibility that he’s headed elsewhere in free agency.

Kevin O'Connell was named AP Coach of the Year at the annual NFL Honors on Thursday night, and he couldn't have done it without a breakout season from quarterback Sam Darnold. O'Connell was asked about his Pro Bowl starting quarterback and the ongoing mystery surrounding the team's future plans at the position in New Orleans,