Although his season ended sourly, Sam Darnold had a great season as the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback. He completed 66.2% of his passes for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, all career-highs. His performance could land him a postseason accolade.
The Associated Press announced its finalists for eight awards on Thursday. Darnold is among five finalists for the AP Comeback Player Of the Year award.
It was the first time in his seven-year career that Darnold was put in a position to start and succeed. The former No. 3-overall pick was traded to the Carolina Panthers after three up-and-down seasons with the New York Jets. He then joined the San Fransisco 49ers to back up Brock Purdy after playing only 18 games in two years with the Panthers.
Minnesota was intrigued with Darnold after he spent time learning from 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, one of the league’s best offensive minds. Kevin O’Connell built on that, helping get Darnold selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time.
The award winners will be announced on Feb. 6 during the 14th annual NFL Honors ceremony. FOX and NFL Network will air the event live at 9 PM ET.