And then, not long afterward, the 2025 offseason will get underway with what could be a big wave of big-name activity at the position. Several high-profile starters are on track to become free agents in March,

The Professional Football Writers of America have named Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold the NFL's Most Improved Player of the Year.

Signed by the Vikings in March on a one-year, $10 million deal, Darnold — starting over injured rookie J.J. McCarthy, who underwent surgery for his meniscus during preseason — helped lead Minnesota to a 14-3 regular season record that boasted a nine-game win streak.

The poll predicted Darnold will be the quarterback of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025. Although they have yet to hire a head coach, the Raiders will be in the mix because they have the money to acquire Darnold.

Darnold is now making the most of his time off ahead of what should be a very interesting offseason. On Friday, his girlfriend, Katie Hoofnagle, took to Instagram to share an offseason update on the former USC star. Apparently, Darnold appears to have taken up a new hobby.

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has been named the 2024 Most Improved Player of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). It isn't an official NFL award — though it arguably should be — but this is a cool honor for Darnold nonetheless.

Darnold is among five finalists for the AP Comeback Player Of the Year award. It was the first time in his seven-year career that Darnold was put in a position to start and succeed. The former No. 3-overall pick was traded to the Carolina Panthers after three up-and-down seasons with the New York Jets.

The Minnesota Vikings got an exceptional year from Sam Darnold and he's starting to win awards for his performance.