The next NFL destination for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has yet to be determined.
The 27-year-old quarterback saw a career resurgence in 2024, receiving his first Pro Bowl selection after passing for 4,135 yards and 35 touchdowns during the regular season.
Darnold is considered the best quarterback available for free agency in March. With a dozen quarterback-needy teams and a shallow 2017 draft class, Darnold should receive a lot of attention in free agency.
On January 24, Darnold posted a photo on Instagram with a message concluding the 2024 season, which many fans saw as a farewell to Minnesota.
“Year 7… Darnold added, “I’m so grateful for my teammates, coaches, and the entire organization.” “We created memories and relationships that will last a lifetime and we got to do it in front of the best fanbase in the world #SKOL.”
Darnold’s statement became the top trending post for Vikings fans on Reddit. The post, captioned “Sounds like goodbye,” drew a slew of expressions of support for Darnold.
Viking fans react to Sam Darnold’s potential. Farewell to the Vikings
In response to Darnold’s letter, Reddit users unanimously supported him in his efforts to change his career and maybe land a lucrative contract.
“A good guy. Has a lot of money. “It’ll work out for him,” one fan said.
While there were some critical replies, emphasizing Darnold’s problems in his final two games of the season, fans agreed that Darnold led Minnesota to one of its most thrilling seasons in recent memory.
“By far my favorite Vikings quarterback I’ve seen to date,” said another fan. “It stung the way it ended, but I appreciate him for making our retooling season a truly competitive one. Best of luck, Darnold.”
Most importantly, Darnold gave Vikings fans optimism after rookie J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury. Minnesota’s preseason over/under win total was set at 6.5 wins, which the Darnold-led Vikings broke by halfway on their way to a surprising playoff berth.
“I am truly delighted for him. He may not have been the quarterback we needed, but he provided a pleasant season for myself and all of the Vikings fans I know when we expected a dark one,” one fan commented. “I hope wherever he ends up he can develop even more.”
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