The 2024 NFL Most Improved Player: Sam Darnold’s Unlikely Journey

Next year, the AP/NFL awards will officially introduce a new category—Most Improved Player. Although it’s a brand new category, we can’t wait until 2024 to acknowledge the standout players who have made incredible strides. So, let’s kick things off early, and for 2024, the clear frontrunner is Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold.

From Bridge Starter to Superstar

When Sam Darnold signed a modest one-year, $10 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, many viewed him as a stopgap—a short-term placeholder or a bridge starter at best. At the time, the Vikings had just parted ways with Kirk Cousins, who secured a contract ten times that amount with the Falcons. Darnold was not expected to be the team’s future, and no one could have predicted how things would unfold.

But everything changed during the preseason when the Vikings’ rookie quarterback, JJ McCarthy, suffered a season-ending knee injury in the opener. This unexpected turn of events opened the door for Darnold, the third overall pick in the 2018 draft, to step in and start the entire season. And start he did, making history along the way.

Breaking Records

In what has been his best season yet, Darnold shocked the league with his stellar performance. Not only did he lead the Vikings to a remarkable 14-game winning streak, but he also became the first quarterback in NFL history to win 14 games in his first season with a new team. The statistics speak for themselves—Darnold threw for an impressive 4,319 yards, connecting for 35 touchdowns while only throwing 12 interceptions. His passer rating of 102.5 was the highest of his career, and his performance was a testament to his growth and development.

Other Contenders for Most Improved Player

While Darnold is the frontrunner, there are a number of other players who have shown significant improvement and deserve recognition for their standout performances in 2024.

• Zack Baun (Eagles): Once a backup linebacker in New Orleans, Baun made a name for himself as a full-time starter in Philadelphia. He compiled 151 tackles and earned a Pro Bowl selection, positioning himself as a potential first-team All-Pro player.
• Jameson Williams (Lions): After a challenging 2023 season, slowed by an ACL recovery and a gambling suspension, Williams finally started to live up to his potential. With 58 catches for 1,001 yards, he led the league in yards per reception at 17.3.
• Jerry Jeudy (Browns): Traded from the Broncos to the Browns in the offseason, Jeudy had the breakout season many had been expecting. He finished with 90 catches for 1,229 yards, marking his first-ever 1,000-yard season.
• Derek Stingley Jr. (Texans): The talented cornerback elevated his game to a potential All-Pro level, continuing to develop into one of the league’s top defensive players.
• Trey McBride (Cardinals): The young tight end had a breakout year, improving his production by 30 catches and over 300 yards, finishing the season with 111 receptions for 1,146 yards.

A New Era of NFL Talent

The 2024 season has seen many players rise to new heights, and while the spotlight is on Sam Darnold for his remarkable transformation, the competition for the Most Improved Player award is fierce. Whether it’s through overcoming adversity, changing teams, or stepping into larger roles, these players have demonstrated incredible growth and have the league on notice. As the season continues, it’s clear that the future of the NFL is filled with talent, resilience, and players eager to prove their worth.