It may be hard to think about after being knocked out of the playoffs, but the 2024 Minnesota Vikings had many great moments en route to a 14-3 record. Both sides of the ball showed significant strides that can be built upon in 2025.

The futures of Kevin O'Connell and Sam Darnold are among the many things Minnesota must work out after its first-round playoff exit.

Of the 53 players active for the Vikings' playoff game vs. the Rams, 23 will be unrestricted free agents while some of the team's coaches might have new addresses in 2025 too.

In November, the Vikings signed Jones, the sixth-overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. With Sam Darnold expected to leave via free agency, Jones would be a cheaper option to back up J.J. McCarthy while offering the upside of a former starter coming off the bench.

The Minnesota Vikings played their two worst games of the season to first lose out on the division title and first seed in the playoffs and then go one-and-done in a quick end to their postseason. It was as disappointing an end to their season as their 14-3 record was a positive surprise.