"Vikings' downward spiral causes decrease in Sam Darnold's worth"

Sam Darnold ended 2024 as one of the heartwarming success stories in the NFL.

The 27-year-old veteran had led the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-2 record before facing the Detroit Lions in a crucial Week 18 matchup for the top seed in the NFC playoffs.

There was speculation that Darnold could secure a lucrative contract similar to Baker Mayfield's as a free agent, either with the Vikings or with other teams in need of an experienced quarterback.

However, things quickly fell apart for Darnold. He struggled in a 31-9 loss to the Lions, completing only 18 of 41 passes. The Vikings' playoff hopes were then dashed in a 27-9 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams, with Darnold throwing an interception, losing a fumble for a touchdown, and getting sacked a record-tying nine times.

His adjusted quarterback rating for those final two games was a dismal 17.4 and 13.4, with a completion rate of only 53.1%.

Despite his rough performance against Detroit, Darnold was still favored at +300 to be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers next season, according to one sportsbook on Monday. However, after his meltdown against the Rams, his odds dropped to +500 by Wednesday.

Currently, Russell Wilson is the favorite at +200 to retain the starting job for the Steelers, followed by Justin Fields (+400), Darnold, and NFL draft prospects Jalen Milroe (+800) and Quinn Ewers (+800).

As color commentator Troy Aikman noted during Monday night's broadcast, Darnold's poor showing may have actually helped the Vikings in the long run.

Darnold is set to become a free agent after playing on a one-year, $10 million contract this season. Instead of cashing in on what seemed to be a breakout year, many coaches and general managers may now question his true value.

The Vikings' promising season came to a disappointing end with back-to-back nine-point performances against two of the top teams in the NFC.

Darnold took over as the starting quarterback when rookie J.J. McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus in August. He finished the regular season in the top five in the NFL for passing yards and touchdowns. Despite the consecutive losses, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell stated that the team must evaluate "Sam's body of work."

Several factors will come into play, including the money Darnold will demand on the open market, which could be influenced by the perceived weakness of this year's quarterback draft class. Additionally, the health and development of McCarthy will be a factor.

The Vikings could choose to franchise tag Darnold, which would cost around $41.4 million, according to Over The Cap. However, the team also has many pending free agents on defense to consider.

For now, McCarthy is favored at -165 to be the starting quarterback for the Vikings next season, with Darnold at +120 and any other player at +700.

If Darnold does end up leaving the Vikings, the Steelers are currently the favorites to sign him.

SAM DARNOLD NEXT TEAM ODDS*

(If he leaves the Vikings)

Steelers (+500)

Raiders (+11/2)

Saints (+600)

Giants (+13/2)

Colts (+700)

Jets (+700)

Seahawks (+700)

Browns (+1200)

Dolphins (+1200)

Titans (+1200)

*Odds provided by SportsBetting.ag for entertainment purposes only

If the Vikings do decide to keep Darnold, it will be an intriguing quarterback battle with McCarthy throughout the offseason.

While Minnesota does have some issues to address on defense and along the offensive line, they also have one of the best receiving duos in the NFL with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, as well as tight end T.J. Hockenson and a strong running game.

McCarthy was drafted with the 10th overall pick to be the future quarterback, but he is currently recovering from a major knee injury and has yet to play a regular season game in the NFL.