Star quarterback Sam Darnold looked back fondly on his first season with the Vikings - but head coach Kevin O'Connell appeared to hint that his time in Minnesota may soon come to an end

The Minnesota Vikings got an exceptional year from Sam Darnold, and he's starting to win awards for his performance.

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.

The Professional Football Writers of America have named Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold the NFL's Most Improved Player of the Year.

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.

The poll predicted Darnold will be the quarterback of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025. Although they have yet to hire a head coach, the Raiders will be in the mix because they have the money to acquire Darnold.

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold's post on social media ahead of free agency drew widespread reactions from NFL fans. The post Vikings QB Sam Darnold Makes Announcement Amid Uncertain Future appeared first on Heavy Sports.

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.