Former Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens weighed in on Darnold’s rise and Minnesota’s decision to let him walk. Speaking to ESPN (as summarized by Vikings Territory), Mullens argued that Darnold wasn’t to blame for Minnesota’s late-season collapse alone. He noted Seattle’s strong run game and contended the overall team context played a big role in Darnold’s performance.
Mullens also addressed the Vikings’ decision-making surrounding Darnold, noting that a drop from top-desired free-agent status to two difficult games late in the season can lead to unfair judgments about a player’s abilities. He stressed that evaluating Darnold without acknowledging the surrounding personnel can be misleading.
Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, Minnesota’s opportunities to add impact playmakers remain a topic of discussion. In a post-Super Bowl mock, PFF projected the Vikings could target Avieon Terrell, a Clemson cornerback with standout coverage metrics. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein highlighted Terrell’s athleticism, zone-to-man versatility, and polished technique, while acknowledging size tradeoffs.
Terrell would join a cornerback room in need of fresh talent, with Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers Sr. as the clearer veterans and a depth chart heavily featuring UDFA options and pending free agents. Terrell’s potential arrival would align with Minnesota’s broader emphasis on strengthening the secondary.
This summary draws on reporting from Heavy Sports, including Mullens’ comments and the draft speculation surrounding Avieon Terrell, along with related context on Darnold’s championship run and its reverberations for Minnesota.
