The resurgence of Sam Darnold with the Minnesota Vikings needs to be studied. The former No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft had been considered a bust and was written off by many fans. When he was named the starting quarterback in Minnesota, many analysts were concerned about the team.
Darnold surpassed all expectations in 2024. He led the Vikings to a 14-3 record and a playoff berth while earning his first Pro Bowl nod. His play last season has many people speculating about what the future holds for the 27-year-old quarterback.
Set to be a free agent this offseason, Sam Darnold is free to sign with any team he pleases. Although he could return to the Vikings, there are likely several teams who should be interested in acquiring his services for 2025 and beyond.
Lions reporter apologizes for misleading Minnesota Vikings fans about Sam Darnold
Dave Birkett has covered the Lions for the Detroit Free Press since 2010 and has won multiple awards for his sports coverage in his career. That's why when he posted on X that Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell shared a remark about Sam Darnold during his Coach of the Year conference, many fans were a little confused.
Kevin O’Connell in his Coach of the Year news conference: Our goal is to win a championship and Sam Darnold is going to be a huge part of it when we do it.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) February 7, 2025
Sure sounds like Vikings want to ride with Darnold next year.
It would have been surprising for Kevin O'Connell to play his free agency cards that openly on the table if the Minnesota Vikings were committed to bringing Sam Darnold back for the 2025 NFL season, Although the purple and gold could try to run it back, it might be a challenge to beat out teams offering more money or a longer contract.
Birkett explained on X on Saturday that he made a mistake in his earlier post. The quote was about superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson, not quarterback Sam Darnold. Star Tribune beat writer Ben Goessling informed him of the mishap.
So @BenGoessling tells me Kevin O’Connell’s quote about winning titles the other day was in reference to Justin Jefferson, not Sam Darnold. My mistake. Wasn’t paying close enough attention rushing around at honors. Didn’t mean to give all you Vikings fans a panic
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) February 8, 2025
With all the chaos and excitement of NFL Honors, the Super Bowl, and pending free agency, it is understandable to make a mistake like this. However, when the person posting the information is as highly respected as Dave Birkett, many people will listen.
Minnesota Vikings fans were confused by the idea of Kevin O'Connell making a statement like that after making his speech following his NFL Honors win. This is more proof that it's okay to make a mistake as long as you are honest and own up to it.