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As early as next year, the official AP/NFL awards will include a separate category for the most improved player. We decided to start now.
And for 2024, the clear choice is Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold.
Signed to a modest (as veteran quarterbacks go) $10 million one-year deal after Kirk Cousins received ten times that amount in guarantees from the Falcons, Darnold was supposed to be a bridge starter at best and a short-term spot at worst. But then the worst-case scenario happened to 10th overall pick JJ McCarthy in the preseason opener – he suffered a knee injury that ended his rookie season before it began.
That opened the door for the third overall pick in 2018 to start the entire year. And he did, becoming the first quarterback in league history to win 14 games in his first season with the team.
Darnold produced the best statistical season of his career, by far. He threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdown passes, with 12 interceptions. His final passer rating was 102.5.
Others who deserve consideration include Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, who went from backup in New Orleans to full-time starter in Philly. He put together a potential first-team All-Pro season with 151 tackles and a Pro Bowl berth.
Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams is finally starting to live up to his potential in 2024. Slowed by an ACL recovery in 2022 and a gambling suspension in 2023, Williams had 395 career receiving yards entering 2024. He finished with 58 catches for a league-best 1,001 yards. -leading average among all qualifiers at 17.3 yards per reception.
After the Broncos traded him to the Browns in the offseason, receiver Jerry Jeudy had his first career 1,000-yard season, upping his performance from 54 catches for 758 yards to 90 catches for 1,229.
Texas cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. he grew from a very good player to a potential All-Pro.
Cardinals tight end Trey McBride improved his production by 30 catches and more than 300 yards, finishing with 111 receptions for 1,146 yards.
