Not everyone thinks that should be the approach. On ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown, former QB Alex Smith said he thinks the Vikings should be looking to sign Darnold long-term.

The stage was set for Sam Darnold on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. To silence all the doubters once and for all. To play hero. To win the game for the Vikings. With 3 minutes, 20 seconds to go, Darnold stepped into the huddle knowing the Vikings needed a touchdown to beat the Arizona Cardinals.

In his first season as the Vikings lead back, he's been really good... except for the fumbles, which continued into Week 13, as Jones fumbled in the first half against Arizona — his third fumble in three weeks,