The Minnesota Vikings were blown off the field by the Los Angeles Rams in a 27-9 beatdown. Sam Darnold was sacked nine times, threw an interception, and lost a fumble. It was a nightmare, but it shouldn't be the only takeaway from a great season.

Vikings QB Sam Darnold was on his way to a big payday this offseason. But two bad games may have cost him his job — and millions.

Sam Darnold picked the Vikings over the Broncos during free agency in 2024. Denver later traded for Zach Wilson.

Sam Darnold has revived his career in 2024 by earning Pro Bowl honors for the first time - but it's unclear whether the quarterback will stay with the Minnesota Vikings

At the dawn of the new year, Sam Darnold was a folk hero in Minnesota. Not only did the quarterback -- no longer locally branded a reclamation project, but rather a full-blown, high-octane Pro Bowler -- sweep the rival Green Bay Packers to give the Vikings their best regular-season record in 16 years,

Sam Darnold's renaissance pushed Minnesota to one of the NFL's best records, offering the hope of a deep playoff run. A disappointing night in the desert rammed Darnold and the Vikings right out of the postseason.

Quarterback Sam Darnold will likely be the next NFL quarterback to make a lot of money in free agency. The Minnesota Vikings have a tough decision to make in the months ahead after their lopsided NFL wild-card round exit on Monday night on whether to keep Darnold or let him go.

Despite a strong season for the Minnesota Vikings, quarterback Sam Darnold's final performances may determine his future in Minnesota and his NFL career.