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Quite a few milestones this week.

First, congrats to Byron Murphy, Jr., for winning Defensive MVP honors at the Pro Bowl on Sunday. Murphy's pick six (along with a touchdown by Justin Jefferson) were impactful in the NFC's victory.

Next, a very happy 85^th Birthday to Fran Tarkenton. The Pro Football Hall of Famer and Vikings Ring of Honor member is one of six players in franchise history whose jersey (No. 10) has been retired.

Tarkenton was a gracious host when former Vikings PR leader Bob Hagan, VEN producer Nate Vaughan (he works on "The Voyage" and other awesome original content) and myself visited Tarkenton's Buckhead office in November 2023 ahead of the Vikings game at the Falcons.

Tarkenton shared so many awesome stories over the course of several hours, and as someone with great reverence for the people who built the NFL into what it is, it always will remain in high esteem for me.

We're already at Feb. 3, which means Harrison Smith turned 36 and Dallas Turner turned 22 yesterday. Smith is still evaluating his options between returning or retiring after a strong season that featured memorable highlights. Turner closed his rookie campaign with what Minnesota hopes is foreshadowing for years to come.

It also means tomorrow marks 25 years since I was a struggling architecture student at Mississippi State, flipping through the Sports Illustrated that recapped Super Bowl XXXIV. For Rams fans, it's remembered by the tackle. For Titans fans, it's what Steve McNair almost executed against the odds in a game that gave new meaning to "The Longest Yard." I was the only one in the freshman studio that Friday night, reviewing the coverage of such an iconic game. I thought to myself about how cool it would be to be able to work in sports, and that's the starting point of my pivot.

I was able to return to campus this weekend for the first time since a Thursday night game the Bulldogs won over the Kentucky Wildcats with Dak Prescott at QB and Chris Jones on the defensive line. MSU hosted a regional journalism conference, and it was an honor to participate, reconnect with former colleagues, meet up-and-coming students and take a few strolls down memory lane.

We're now in the week of Super Bowl LIX between the Chiefs and Eagles, a rematch of just two years ago when Kansas City came back in the second half to defeat Philadelphia 38-35.

As part of Super Bowl week, Highland Popcorn (2138 Ford Parkway, St. Paul) is celebrating its first anniversary. A special Conor's Corner live podcast with co-host Frank Vascellaro kicks it off at noon (CT) on Feb. 6, so swing by then if you can. They'll have some Vikings souvenir popcorn buckets, special guests, and Popcorn with Personality!

Store hours this week: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday

If you can't make it by that location to meet the awesome workforce but would like to get a bag — or 10 — for your Super Bowl party, look for the product in grocery stores, including recently added Hy-Vee locations.

Let's get to the questions.

I am all in on QB J.J. McCarthy, but I would like to see the Vikings get something in return for Sam Darnold.

Here is a hypothetical question about signing QB Sam Darnold to a team friendly deal. For example, let's say Kwesi Adofo-Mensah were to sign Sam to a $30 million (per year), three-year contract with $50 million guaranteed. It likely will not happen, but it would give the Vikings an option for trading for draft picks or a player with a team needy quarterback instead of letting him walk and getting nothing.

Taking the above example, if there were a trade during his first year what happens to the Viking salary cap? How much of the deal are the Vikings responsible for? Does the team he is traded to take over the rest of his contract and does the remaining money from the original contract come back to the Vikings salary cap?

Congratulations to HC Kevin O'Connell for a great year and hoping he gets Head Coach of the Year.

Skol,

— David Bond in Rochester, Minnesota

It likely would have the Vikings needing to account for this year and any bonus money but also would likely clear future cap space.

We'll find out this Thursday whether O'Connell won Coach of the Year honors from The Associated Press. It's nice that his extension is already completed.

The Vikings have some decisions to make over the next few months to prepare for the draft, OTAs, minicamp, and training camp.

As it seems the NFL world (prognosticators and glitterati alike) acts as though the QB is the most important position in all of sports. J.J. is the future face of the franchise, no doubt. And it looks like he'll be ready for practices this spring.

Maybe it's hedging their bets, but I think it'd be wise for the team to franchise tag Darnold, which would be cheaper than signing him to a multi-year contract that would be north of a hundred million. Then the team brass has the option of keeping him on as insurance for next season, competing for the starting job, or trading him to a needy team for draft picks. Especially since we only have three picks as of now.

And if they trade him, they can slot Daniel Jones into that role, as either the backup or competing for starter with J.J. And K.O. has the bona fides to show what he and the coaches can do with quarterbacks who have had a rough go of it.

This scenario provides the opportunity for the team to extend the contracts of vital players, especially on defense. Also, on that same train of thought, it looks as though Coach Flo' has (unfortunately) been bypassed again for another head coaching opportunity, so the NFL's loss is our gain. And a third season with him fine tuning the defense should make it even more impressive. Especially if they can plug the leaks that lead to late-game and/or late-season collapses.

And improving the offensive line will be a priority, either via free agency or the draft. And whether Aaron Jones, Sr., re-signs with the Vikings, and/or Cam Akers steps up, we clearly need a 1-2 punch in the backfield. We've got to pound the rock, wear down the opposing defense and keep their offense off the field. J.J. was diminished in the (narrow) minds of some scouts, analysts and writers because he didn't have gaudy stats at Michigan, but that just goes to show that he was highly proficient at managing a rushing juggernaut.

— David A. from the North Shore but stuck in the South

Tag-and-trade is one of the options Minnesota could use to try to boost draft picks and trying to get more of an immediate return on the success of Darnold in 2024 than if he departs in free agency, which would likely garner a comp pick in the 2026 NFL Draft like the one that is expected this April for Kirk Cousins.

Daniel Jones' contract is set to expire, and he'll be eligible for free agency for the first time in his career. There could be a few scenarios through which he remains in Purple.

New Orleans is the only remaining opening for a head coach in this hiring cycle, so Flores could be in line to return for a third season with Minnesota to continue to build his system.

The ground game will strive to continue to improve, which should help any QB.

Is it me or does it seem the Vikings are not sure who's coming or going? The QB situation is up in the air, the defensive backs area is questionable, along with the front defensive line, but they mentioned the front OL after the last game has to be improved. And how long have they been saying that?

I've been a Vikes fan since I was a kid, but when I watch them now, there's times I'll walk away based on how they're playing. Inconsistent, penalties, Darnold holding the ball way too long in the pocket (ending in countless sacks), and too many times clock management. Then we hear later, "we've gotta play better," way too many times. A lot of you may or may not agree with what I've said about this. Granted they had a great record this year, but there were games that could have gone either way. Please FIX this team!!!

— Keith Rieland

It's the part in the calendar where plans are being made but they won't be unveiled, so I wouldn't worry too hard about current uncertainty. In contrast, I'd say the past year's efforts in free agency could reinforce the belief that well-informed, positive decisions will be made in free agency.

It also seems like the Vikings have some clear-cut areas of improvement that will serve as a North star, and the Vikings have had two 13-win seasons in three tries by O'Connell.

Who will be the 2025 QB for the Vikings? Will it be J.J. McCarthy or what is the master plan at this point?

— Jan Thobe

The stage of the master plan right now is preparing for multiple scenarios because the Vikings know the importance of keeping options open, as well as the significance of the position.

We're already looking forward to the unfurling of the plan, and we honestly only have to wait about a month for the first steps to be put into action.

I have noticed the teams (that made the conference championship games) all have mobile, play-action QBs. This needs to be added for 2025. Pure pocket passers have not been very successful against excellent defenses. I don't know if this is a player limitation problem with Darnold or a playbook/coaching problem.

— Paul Brye

Kansas City, Buffalo, Philadelphia and Washington all feature mobile quarterbacks. Darnold's mobility seemed to take a slight slide toward the end of the season. McCarthy showed the ability to play on the move during the preseason and throughout his college career.

As of this email, K.O. has received an extension, but there has been no word on one for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. What, if anything, should we read into this?

— Jeff Wolfe

I wouldn't read too much into this. Adofo-Mensah will be making media rounds at the NFL Scouting Combine in three weeks, so I'm sure he'll be asked for an update if there isn't one before then.

I would love to see a trick play where Brian O'Neill was used as a tight end. He has some experience and would definitely help the run game open. I would love to see him catch the ball and see who could tackle him. What do you think???

— Tom Manders, U.S. Army EOD SGM (Ret.) in Osakis, Minnesota

Tom, thank you for your service and email submission.

Here's a look back when the Pitt Panthers implemented a screen to the big fella:

"I told them I could tote that thing," O'Neill said on the sideline after his TD catch.

O'Neill is a tremendous athlete, who has shown it in a variety of ways. The Vikings haven't been shy about trying trick plays, but the results haven't always delivered the goods. A potential hesitation would be that it would involve having one of the team's best linemen not blocking on the play.

Are you going to re-sign Aaron Jones, Sr., and Byron Murphy, Jr.?

— Cael Genkinger

I'm sorry to answer such a direct question with an indirect response. I personally don't know if either or both will be re-signed, as I'm not privy to the master plan that is being crafted.

What we do all know is that both have thrived in Purple. Jones joined the Vikings last offseason and followed with a career-high in rushing yards (1,138). He also provided sincere leadership and was a central figure in the 2024 team's connectivity. Murphy arrived in Minnesota in 2023 and was tasked with being the experienced leader of a young cornerbacks room in his first season here. This past season, Minnesota added waves of experience at the position with one-year deals to Shaq Griffin, Stephon Gilmore and Fabian Moreau. Murphy carded his best pro season, recording six interceptions and 14 passes defensed to garner his first Pro Bowl selection. He was one of two players to hit those quantities in those categories along with Baltimore's Marlon Humphrey.

Murphy just turned 27, so he's likely to be considered by other teams, but he also could wind up back with the Vikings on his third pro contract.

Jones and Murphy have spoken openly about liking it in Minnesota.

We got our left tackle (Christian Darrisaw) hurt on the last drive before halftime. Can we just take a knee there on Thursday night vs. the Rams? Another over-aggressive before half (sequence was) vs. Seattle. Should have run the ball and killed the clock before halftime. Gave Seattle a cheap TD before. Please look at those sequences.

— Daryl C.

I think most readers know by now I never wish for any player on any team to suffer an injury because I know how quickly and unexpectedly one can change the scope of an entire season.

Beyond hoping for the best for C.D., my headspace at halftime of the Week 8 game at Los Angeles was that the trajectory of a promising start could decline (I still have not completely shaken the revolving door at the position in 2016 — the last time the team had started 5-0 before swooning to 8-8). Losing a left tackle — especially one of the best in the game who was playing at an elite level — is one of the toughest challenges a team can face.

The fact it occurred on a play that provided no offsetting benefit made it even tougher. The fateful snap was from the Minnesota 3-yard line with just 35 seconds remaining in the first half and the score tied at 14.

The only good thing for Minnesota was that the injury occurred before the trade deadline, and the Vikings were able to make a move to acquire Cam Robinson in the final year of his contract. Robinson helped solidify the blindside during Minnesota's ensuing nine-game win streak.

The Seattle sequence involved the Vikings getting the ball at their 29-yard line with 1:57 left before halftime. The drive opened with consecutive incompletions before a 7-yard pass on third down, resulting in a punt. The Seahawks were able to drive 88 yards in just 1:05 thanks to five plays that gained 12 or more yards, including an 18-yard touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba that made it 17-14 Vikings.

O'Connell said his confidence in Flores and the defense prompted him to be aggressive throughout the season, but it seemed like getting to execute a 2-minute drill helped Seattle find rhythm and the end zone.

I'm a little old fashioned, I'd suppose, and I have 0 football coaching victories to my name, but I don't like offering an opportunity like that to a team that was struggling with other parts of his offense.

It's time to move forward. I skimmed through the (Jan. 27) Mailbag because it was depressing. Everyone is either down on the team or knows better than the coaches. All you have to know is that the owners and coaches will do everything they can to get the Vikings a championship trophy. That being said, why isn't anyone talking about the draft or the upcoming schedule?

The Vikings don't have much draft capital, but I believe Kwesi will select the best player for the team and if he trades the 1st round pick, it will be for a good reason, and you move on to the next pick. I know it sounds kind of passive, but that's the only way I stay calm in my old age. Believe me, there were plenty of times my anger got the better of me watching the team. Now about the schedule. I shook my head looking at it because I don't think there is one gimme on the schedule. This year is a good time to be a Vikings season ticket holder because every one of those games should be nationally televised. My only expectation for the team this year is to make the playoffs. That will show me the Vikings are getting better from year to year instead of making the playoffs on a fourth-place schedule. Lastly, I'm glad Flores is staying (hopefully) because they're going to need every ounce of his experience managing a gauntlet schedule.

— Al in Denmark, Wisconsin

I think the past season meant quite a bit to people. Hopes were inflated that this could finally be the year for the Vikings to do it all, and the ending was tough.

The Vikings personnel department has been shifting gears to 2025 season, and plenty of that involves preparing for the NFL Draft, which is less than three months away. The team has fewer picks at the moment than most years and will be working to sync up free agency next month and the selections made (and players signed as undrafted free agents) in April.

The Vikings are currently scheduled to select from the 24^th overall spot.

We know Minnesota's opponents and locations for the 2025 season, but we don't know the sequence yet.

HOME: Bears, Lions, Packers, Eagles, Commanders, Ravens, Bengals, Falcons

ROAD: Bears, Lions, Packers, Cowboys, Giants, Steelers, Browns, Seahawks, Chargers

Based on this past year's results, that is quite the gauntlet. Seven teams made the playoffs, and three others were on the cusp of doing so.

The NFL has consistently been unveiling the schedule in May for the past few years. We'll be sure to let you know as soon as we can.

Enjoy NFL Honors on Thursday and the Super Bowl since it's the last scheduled NFL game until the Hall of Fame Game opens the 2025 preseason.