The Minnesota Vikings secured a thrilling 27-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, completing a season sweep over their NFC North rivals.
But the real story unfolded in the locker room, where Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was the center of jubilant celebrations.
As the 27-year-old entered the locker room, his teammates were ready. They doused him with water, lifting him onto their shoulders amid roaring cheers and chants.
Darnold, visibly moved, let out a triumphant yell, brushing water from his face and hair before flexing his arms and pounding his chest in celebration.
We all have seen with our own eyes just how spectacular Darnold has been this season. After all, he’s played at a near-MVP level and has led Minnesota to the brink of a possible No. 1 seed and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
However, in that revealing moment of celebration in the locker room, it became crystal clear just how beloved Darnold has become and just how much he means to that entire team.
Rumblings have emerged that the Vikings may look to sign the soon-to-be free agent Darnold to a massive contract and then trade last year’s first-round pick J.J. McCarthy.
Drafted to be their eventual franchise quarterback, McCarthy suffered a season-ending injury right before the start of the regular season.
If Minnesota determines that committing to Darnold as the face of their franchise is the way to go, they could very well seek to trade McCarthy for valuable assets in return.
One team that would surely be interested in trading for McCarthy is the New York Giants.
For now, Darnold and the Vikings are focused solely on their Week 18 matchup against the rival Detroit Lions.
The winner of the game will clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC and in-turn earn the conference’s only bye as well as home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
What are your thoughts on the fascinating quarterback “dilemma” the Vikings have on their hands?
What will they end up doing???
