The victory also revived questions about Minnesota’s decision to move on from Darnold last offseason. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on Nov. 30, 2024 that the Vikings did make an offer to Darnold closely mirroring Seattle’s, with the key difference being the commitment length; Minnesota’s offer was for one year, similar to Seattle’s pay-as-you-go structure.
Beyond the current season, Darnold’s contract carries a single guaranteed sum: a $17.5 million injury guarantee that does not convert into a full guarantee until after Super Bowl LX. That detail has continued to fuel debate about how teams value short-term quarterbacks in a swing-for-the-season dynamic.
Minnesota had already identified J.J. McCarthy as the quarterback of the future, a reality that likely factored into Darnold’s decision to pursue an opportunity in Seattle and remain flexible in the short term.
FOX Sports’ Jason McIntyre added a high-profile warning for Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell, arguing that the 2018 quarterback class—featuring Darnold alongside Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Baker Mayfield—produced the first player from that group to reach a Super Bowl, and suggesting Minnesota might have erred in passing on Darnold for McCarthy.
Following Seattle’s win, Minnesota edge rusher Jonathan Greenard posted cryptic tweets—dots followed by a “What happened” GIF—signaling his likely disappointment over Darnold’s exit from Minnesota and the Seahawks’ subsequent rise.
Darnold spoke after the game about his journey and the moment, saying it’s “amazing to be able to do it with these guys in this locker room, with this coaching staff,” and emphasizing the daily grind: “one day at a time.” He framed the Super Bowl push as a special, collective effort.
This summary draws on reporting from Heavy Sports.
