NFL

As Sam Darnold Thrives, Vikings Face Regret, Cap Trouble, and Uncertain Future

Darnold under center would have made a difference for the Vikings, but it likely wouldn’t have resulted in Seahawks-like results.
As Sam Darnold Thrives, Vikings Face Regret, Cap Trouble, and Uncertain Future
Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks during a 21-19 Rams win in the NFL 2025 game between Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Nov. 16, 2025. Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
Matthew Davis
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The Minnesota Vikings might be watching in regret as the Seattle Seahawks take on the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold led the Vikings to a similarly strong season in 2024, and the Vikings let him get away in free agency for a $100.5 million contract. Minnesota handed over the offense to second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, a No. 10 pick who hadn’t played a snap yet due to injury.

Matthew Davis
Matthew Davis
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Matthew Davis is an experienced, award-winning journalist who has covered major professional and college sports for years. His writing has appeared on Heavy, the Star Tribune, and The Catholic Spirit. He has a degree in mass communication from North Dakota State University.