Sam Darnold will never be able to escape the late-season collapse he had in Minnesota. Until he wins a playoff game, it will continue to haunt him and overshadow anything he does in the regular season.

The Vikings decided to let Darnold’s contract expire and roll in 2025 and beyond with J.J. McCarthy, their 10th pick in last year’s draft. His season-ending knee injury last summer is why Darnold started last season.

Once the Seattle Seahawks traded quarterback Geno Smith, Sam Darnold saw his opening. The Seahawks introduced Darnold on Thursday after he signed a three-year deal he agreed to earlier in the week.