When McCarthy tore his meniscus in the preseason, however, Darnold was thrust into action as their permanent starter—and has had quite the career resurgence for himself. The 27-year-old has thrown for career highs in passing yards (3,299) and touchdowns (28) over the Vikings' first 13 games while leading them to an 11–2 record.

Sam Darnold was largely an afterthought in the 2024 NFL offseason, parlaying a one-year stint on the San Francisco 49ers' bench into a one-year, prove-it deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Nearly a full season later,

Darnold's future beyond this season is unclear with first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy spending his rookie season on injured reserve as the heir apparent for the Vikings, and Darnold having solidified himself as a top free agent for 2025.