Vikings QB Sam Darnold Wins NFL Most Improved Award
Sam Darnold signed with the Minnesota Vikings amidst uncertain expectations. The plan was for him to operate as a bridge quarterback while an incoming rookie learned the next level. Fortunately for Darnold, and the Vikings, the veteran didn’t follow that plan.
After J.J. McCarthy’s season ending injury there was never going to be an opportunity for Darnold to sit on the bench. Kevin O’Connell needed his starting quarterback to work, and that’s exactly what happened.
Sam Darnold starts award tour for Minnesota Vikings
This season wound up being the best of Sam Darnold’s career. He held down the starting quarterback role all year and led the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-win season. He isn’t in the MVP conversation, but he’s going to win awards and the Pro Football Writers of America handed him his first.
Sam Darnold has been voted NFL's Most Improved Player by the PFWA.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 24, 2025
📰: https://t.co/wJuAf8qkyB pic.twitter.com/eV1izN9EKX
For the third straight season a quarterback takes home the Most Improved Player designation from the Pro Football Writers of America. Darnold’s selection follows Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield. Like those two players, he’s also in line for a sizable payday.
Across 17 games this season, Darnold threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns. He threw just 12 interceptions and finished with a quarterback rating of 102.5.
Sam Darnold was dealing on the Vikings' final three possessions after going down by 13 points. Pocket movement, accuracy, decisiveness, total command of the plan. 12 completions, 156 yards, 2 TDs.
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) December 2, 2024
He delivered in the clutch for the second straight week. pic.twitter.com/0sxcFOg6aL
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Darnold’s performance for the Minnesota Vikings earned him his first career Pro Bowl selection. Of course, he would have preferred to continue competing in playoff games, but that doesn’t take away from his standout regular season.
It remains to be seen what his future will look like. No matter what, he has O’Connell and the Vikings to thank for helping to revive his professional career.
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Although the stipulations surrounding the award have changed, there is reason to believe that Darnold could win the Comeback Player of the Year as well. It was certainly a magical run made better by paying him just $10 million for one season.
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