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.

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.

Sam Darnold’s second straight Jets-esque performance in a primetime game, this one ending the Vikings’ season Monday night in the 27-9 wild-card loss to the Rams, has perhaps helped solidify to Minnesota decision-makers how they should handle their upcoming quarterback controversy.

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.

There are plenty of really good reasons why the Vikings should do the opposite of what the insider thinks will happen.

Heading into the NFL's offseason, it's generally good practice for teams to try and keep their best players from hitting the open market. Sometimes that's easier said than done. Whether that's because of players retiring,

Sam Darnold’s shaky finish shouldn’t ruin his impressive season or impact his future. Several NFL teams need a franchise quarterback and Darnold proved he can be that guy in Minnesota, becoming the first quarterback to record 14 wins in his first season with a team.

The Minnesota Vikings' honeymoon with QB Sam Darnold appears likely to end after one exceptional year. The post Sam Darnold Predicted to Ditch Vikings for Monster Deal in AFC appeared first on Heavy Sports.