When the Minnesota Vikings signed Sam Darnold earlier this year, it was to serve as a bridge quarterback to whichever player the team landed in the 2024 NFL draft.

Sam Darnold’s 2025 future with the Vikings could hinge on the franchise tag, with trade scenarios also in play as the postseason looms.

Sam Darnold put forth a career performance for the Minnesota Vikings this season, ranking among the NFL's top 10 quarterbacks in passing yardage, touchdown throws, passer rating and winning percentage.

Seven days separated two visuals that could not have been more in contrast if you hung a portrait of Quasimodo next to the Mona Lisa. There was Sam Darnold, after defeating the Packers, hoisted atop teammates' shoulders,

Sam Darnold is on track to reach free agency in March and understands what's at stake regarding his short- and long-term futures.

The Vikings opened this season predicted by both data and actual humans to finish with around seven victories. Even the more optimistic prognosticators looked at their roster and figured a 10-win year was about the ceiling of this team.