Sam Darnold wants to build 'legacies' as Vikings QB's career-altering campaign leads team to playoffs 

Following Kirk Cousins' exit in the 2024 offseason, the Minnesota Vikings landed Michigan Wolverines star J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft and earmarked him as the franchise's new starting quarterback. However, tragedy struck as the rookie suffered a torn meniscus in the team's preseason opener, ending his campaign before it began.

With McCarthy out, the Vikings pivoted to Sam Darnold, who had spent the 2023 season as the San Francisco 49ers' backup quarterback and had signed with the Vikings to reprise that role. Expectations from Minnesota cratered after committing to the former first-round pick as their starter. However, he had an incredible campaign and led the Vikings to a 14-3 record.

His performances raised eyebrows across the league and several quarterback-needy teams have him on their wishlist. However, Darnold isn't concerned about his future. The 27-year-old is keen on leading the Vikings to their first Super Bowl win and etching his name in the history books. During his media availability on Thursday, the quarterback outlined his intention.

“[The playoffs] are kind of where legacies, I guess, are made," Darnold said via The Minnesota Star Tribune. "Not just winning games, but winning those later games like AFC, NFC championships, winning Super Bowls. That’s how you’re going to be remembered.”

Sam Darnold Contract: QB set to get massive payday in offseason

Sam Darnold signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Vikings to be the backup and step in if J.J. McCarthy struggled. However, the rookie's injury opened the door for him to lead the offense all season and he made the most of the opportunity.

The quarterback finished the year with a career-high 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdown passes, 12 interceptions, 212 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Darnold's exploits on the field have prompted the Vikings to consider retaining him as the team's starter and let McCarthy sit behind him and learn for another year before taking over in the future.

If Minnesota decides to let him walk, several teams like the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders could look to court him with Darnold's stock at an all-time high.

If he plays well against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on Monday night in the two teams' Wild Card duel and leads the Vikings on a deep playoff run, the franchise could be left with no choice but to hand him a massive extension.