The internet is having a field day with money-related jokes targeting Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold following his disastrous showing in Monday night’s Wild Card Round loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Despite a career-best 2024 season that saw Darnold lead the Vikings to 14 wins and their return to postseason action, it all came crashing down in dramatic fashion. In the 27-9 defeat, Darnold endured nine sacks and turned the ball over twice, a performance that has sparked widespread ridicule and raised questions about his future earnings and NFL prospects.
The stakes were high for Darnold, who joined the Vikings on a one-year contract last offseason. Many viewed the playoffs as a critical test for the quarterback, particularly as he approached free agency. Unfortunately for Darnold, his nightmarish performance may have wiped out the financial gains he earned with his impressive regular-season play. Social media quickly pounced, flooding timelines with memes and biting commentary.
One fan captured the sentiment with a GIF referencing Darnold’s rocky tenure with the New York Jets, writing, “Sam Darnold when I put hard-earned US currency on him.” Another comment from Emmanuel Acho read, “In 60 minutes, Sam Darnold is losing all the money he made himself the last 6 months.” Yet another fan shared the iconic “Throw in the damn towel” GIF with the caption, “How Sam Darnold’s agent is feeling watching this.”
While fans joked online, the Vikings’ front office faces serious questions about Darnold’s future. His postseason meltdown has likely shifted the team’s focus toward their 2024 first-round pick, JJ McCarthy, as the potential quarterback of the future. McCarthy’s presence, combined with Darnold’s untimely collapse, makes it increasingly unlikely the Vikings will invest heavily in a quarterback who faltered under playoff pressure.
A Promising Season Ends on a Sour Note
Darnold’s 2024 campaign was a story of redemption. After years of inconsistency, he finally delivered on his potential, posting career highs in passing yards and touchdowns while minimizing turnovers. The Vikings thrived under his leadership, securing the NFC North title and earning a playoff berth. However, all that progress was undone in one brutal night.
The Rams’ relentless defense exposed Darnold’s vulnerabilities, and his inability to respond has left a cloud over what was otherwise a breakout season. For a quarterback seeking a lucrative long-term deal in free agency, this was the worst possible time for such a performance.
The Vikings’ Next Move
With Darnold’s future in Minnesota uncertain, all signs point to the Vikings turning to McCarthy. Drafted to be the franchise’s quarterback of the future, McCarthy now has a clear path to take over in 2025. Darnold’s struggles in the biggest moment make it unlikely the Vikings will risk significant cap space on him, especially with a promising young talent waiting in the wings.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams are moving forward with momentum, preparing to face the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field this Sunday in the Divisional Round. For Darnold, however, the offseason begins with more questions than answers, and his once-bright financial outlook has dimmed considerably. Whether he can bounce back and rebuild his reputation remains to be seen, but for now, the internet will continue to have its laughs at his expense.
The Entire Internet Is Making The Same Horrible Joke About Vikings QB Sam Darnold Following Embarrassing Playoff Loss To Rams….
