Make the case for Vikings QB Sam Darnold to be NFL MVP

Before Darnold arrived in Carolina for his fourth season in 2021, then-Panthers coach Matt Rhule had a Gannon chat with Darnold about his journey. Gannon told Darnold he had all the tools needed to be great. He just had to make better decisions.

“You think about Sam being here a long time, but the kid’s only 27,” Gannon said. “And he’s in such a great situation. Kevin O’Connell, there’s a method to his X’s and O’s madness. I think he’s great.

“But what he’s really done is restore Sam’s confidence. That effervescence, that juice is back for Sam. The command of the huddle, the command of the system, the audibles, the controls, he’s matured mentally, emotionally in so many ways , and it is very noticeable.”

Winning the MVP or coming close could be the crowning achievement in what could be one of the most lucrative contract year performances of all time. Maybe even bigger than the one Baker Mayfield spent last year getting a three-year, $100 million deal with Tampa Bay.

The Vikings are waiting until after the season to address the situation. They will have first-round draft pick JJ McCarthy coming back from injuries and immediate needs elsewhere that will require significant cap space to fill in free agency.

“There will be a time and a place to figure out what’s best for the long term, to really discuss and delve into our future,” O’Connell said. “And at the end of the day, Sam has earned the right to have a big impact on that as well. Right now, I’m just proud of this team and excited to see where it goes this season.”