Darnold flamed out with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers before eventually landing with Minnesota Vikings in 2024. The Vikings' fortunes weren't made or broken by Sam DarnoldSam Darnold | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesEven if the Vikings decided to bring back Sam Darnold for the 2025 season, there was no guarantee Minnesota would've made the playoffs, let alone the Super Bowl. On top of the on-field differences, Minnesota would've had to commit to Darnold being a long-term starter and that would've interfered with O'Connell's clear vision of McCarthy taking over his project. Without that opportunity, Darnold and Seattle are not playing in Super Bowl LX. You were meant to be with Darnold for the time you had, you just weren't meant for forever — or in this case, a long-awaited Super Bowl run.