Despite the difficult end to the 2024 season, Sam Darnold's overall performance is likely to result in him receiving a nice contract in free agency

The Minnesota Vikings pulled off one of the best regular seasons in franchise history, but were still stuck in the No. 5 seed of the NFC playoff race as the Detroit Lions took the No. 1 seed and NFC North crown.

Darnold signed with the Vikings ahead of the 2024 season, inking a one-year, $10 million contract with the NFC North squad. Before joining the Vikings, Darnold played three years for the New York Jets, two years for the Carolina Panthers and one with the San Francisco 49ers .

The Minnesota Vikings and Sam Darnold got more out of each other than anyone thought they would in 2024. Darnold would end up becoming an MVP candidate, while the team went an astounding 14-3

Darnold is now making the most of his time off ahead of what should be a very interesting offseason. On Friday, his girlfriend, Katie Hoofnagle, took to Instagram to share an offseason update on the former USC star. Apparently, Darnold appears to have taken up a new hobby.

How much did Sam Darnold cost himself with his performance in the Minnesota Vikings’ final two games of the season?

Much of the Minnesota Vikings' offseason discourse has centered around how they will handle the quarterback position. Will they re-sign veteran Sam Darnold afte

The NFC North produced three playoff teams, two teams with 14 or more wins and the conference’s No. 1 seed — creating a historic, never-before-seen regular season inside the division. Then the playoffs began, and it all fell apart in stunning fashion. Not a single team from the NFC North won a playoff game.

The NFC North had a terrific regular season and a tough playoffs. Here's what life could look like in 2025 for the NFC North.

The NFC North was the best division in the NFL this season, which featured three playoff teams and then the Chicago Bears, who went 5-12 in a disappointing season.

In his breakdown of the top 50 free agents available this offseason, ESPN's Matt Bowen ranks Darnold at No. 6, some 26 spots ahead of the next QB on the list (Pittsburgh's Justin Fields, which underscores just how barren this market is under center). He then estimates that Darnold could receive something in the nine figures:

The countdown to Super Bowl LIX is on and talkSPORT.com will keep you up to date with all the news from around the league. The race to New Orleans on February 9 has reached its final conclusion.