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.

That was before quarterback guru Kevin O'Connell arrived in Minnesota. He's made the Vikings a dream destination for any quarterback looking for a change of scenery, including Fields, who named Minnesota one of his four preferred destinations in a trade last year.

Should the Vikings pay Darnold after his (mostly) excellent season? Or should they go with McCarthy and spend that money at other positions?

The Minnesota Vikings went out with a whimper on a Monday night, and in the process, Sam Darnold may have cost himself any shot to return as the club's unquestioned starting quarterback. A pleasant surprise for much of an explosive 2024 campaign,

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy's physical readiness for the 2025 season will sway their decision on Sam Darnold; he took a step forward this week.

Minnesota Vikings' quarterback of the future got considerable air time during NBC's broadcast of the team's 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. J.J. McCarthy, who missed his rookie season because of a torn meniscus in his right knee,