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.

Sam Darnold didn't finish the 2024-25 NFL season the way he or the Minnesota Vikings would have liked. It doesn't sound like he did much damage—if any—to

Sam Darnold closed out 2024 as one of the feel-good NFL stories of the year. The 27-year-old journeyman had led Minnesota to a 14-2 record ahead of a Week 18 showdown against the Detroit Lions that would decide the No.

Nov 24, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) makes a catch over Minnesota Vikings cornerback Shaquill Griffin (1) and after replay is ruled out of bounds on his left foot touching the line during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

Vikings have several areas that they must address in the offseason, includingthe fatal that must be fixed on the offensive line

The future is bright for the Vikings despite what the crushing playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams might suggest. The foundation that they have built features a talented core of players under contract for the foreseeable future,