Sam Darnold could be the most intriguing story of NFL free agency. Where might the Vikings QB land after a breakout season?

A pending free agent, Vikings QB Sam Darnold's chances to land with the Raiders may have gotten a boost with the hiring of Pete Carroll.

Darnold stepped in and had a season to remember. He led the Vikings to a 14-3 record but the team was ultimately eliminated in the Wild Card round. He finished fifth in the NFL for passing yards with 4,319 and fifth in total touchdowns with 35.

The Vikings general manager told reporters Thursday that Darnold is among the “good options” the Vikings have at quarterback while adding that J.J. McCarthy has returned to on-field training.

sacking Sam Darnold an NFL playoff record-tying nine times to win, 27-9, Monday night in an NFC wild-card game that was moved out of Southern California because of devastating wildfires.

The Vikings added a seventh Pro Bowler on Monday as right tackle Brian O’Neill was named to the Pro Bowl Games. O’Neill replaces Lane Johnson of the Eagles, whose team will be playing in the Super Bowl.

The Detroit Lions are reportedly zeroing in on longtime NFL offensive assistant John Morton as their next offensive coordinator.

The Minnesota Vikings and coach Kevin O'Connell agreed to terms on a multiyear contract extension on Tuesday, following a 14-3 regular season that defied external widespread preseason projections of at least a losing record if not a last-place finish in the NFC North.

Among the notable names in the ownership group are NFL All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey, NFL All-Pro tight end George Kittle, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, former Pro Bowl tight end and media personality Greg Olsen,

While Rams QB Matthew Stafford is currently deciding if he wants to play in 2025 or retire, that decision may be swayed by upcoming contract talks.

Now, the Rams have a core build of players on their rookie deals -- defensive linemen Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske, outside linebackers Byron Young and Jared Verse and safety Quentin Lake -- for a unit that took a big step forward this season under new defensive coordinator Chris Shula.

The countdown to Super Bowl LIX is on and talkSPORT.com will keep you up to date with all the news from around the league. The race to New Orleans on February 9 has reached its final conclusion.