It’s always a wild ride in the NFL. The post Sam Darnold’s Clear Message to Vikings Front Office As Kevin O’Connell Confirms Stance on QB’s Future appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Star quarterback Sam Darnold looked back fondly on his first season with the Vikings - but head coach Kevin O'Connell appeared to hint that his time in Minnesota may soon come to an end

The Vikings general manager told reporters Thursday that Darnold is among the “good options” the Vikings have at quarterback while adding that J.J. McCarthy has returned to on-field training.

Sam Darnold was supposed to be a one-year bridge to J.J. McCarthy, who would have had a chance to earn the starting job during the season. But then McCarthy hurt his knee, Minnesota sidelined him for his rookie campaign and Darnold went on to throw for more than 4,300 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Sam Darnold piled up stats this season, charmed the fanbase and probably earned himself a nice payday in the process. But will he get it from the Vikings?

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 had a highly successful season under the leadership of head coach Kevin O'Connell, despite an unfortunate loss in the NFL playoffs.

Minnesota was intrigued with Darnold after he spent time learning from 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, one of the league’s best offensive minds. Kevin O’Connell built on that, helping get Darnold selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time.

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold's post on social media ahead of free agency drew widespread reactions from NFL fans. The post Vikings QB Sam Darnold Makes Announcement Amid Uncertain Future appeared first on Heavy Sports.