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.

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.

Darnold has come to the end of his one-year deal, but ESPN's Benjamin Solak predicts the Vikings will make a big financial commitment to the veteran quarterback and explore trades for McCarthy to one of the NFL's quarterback-hungry teams.

After a stellar bounce-back season with the Minnesota Vikings, including a Pro Bowl selection, former USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold has been announced as a finalist for NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

Sam Darnold piled up stats this season, charmed the fanbase and probably earned himself a nice payday in the process. But will he get it from the Vikings?

Sam Darnold’s shaky finish shouldn’t ruin his impressive season or impact his future. Several NFL teams need a franchise quarterback and Darnold proved he can be that guy in Minnesota, becoming the first quarterback to record 14 wins in his first season with a team.

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold's final two games of the season have made Minnesota' decision at the position much easier.

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

Heading into the NFL's offseason, it's generally good practice for teams to try and keep their best players from hitting the open market. Sometimes that's easier said than done. Whether that's because of players retiring,