Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has been named the 2024 Most Improved Player of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). It isn't an official NFL award — though it arguably should be — but this is a cool honor for Darnold nonetheless.

Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings were one of the biggest surprises of the NFL season, entering the playoffs with a 14-3 record. Darnold took over the staring quarterback duties in his first year with the organization and had the best season of his career.

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.