Sam Darnold was previously expected to receive a new contract worth more than Baker Mayfield's $100 million, three-year deal in Tampa Bay - but that now seems unlikely

As Vikings QB Sam Darnold's dream season sputtered to a close Monday night in a playoff loss to the Rams, he now heads toward free agency with his future as unsettled as ever.

Signed by the Vikings in March on a one-year, $10 million deal, Darnold — starting over injured rookie J.J. McCarthy, who underwent surgery for his meniscus during preseason — helped lead Minnesota to a 14-3 regular season record that boasted a nine-game win streak.