Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell declined to call quarterback Sam Darnold’s performance Sunday “validation” for his spring signing when asked after a victory over the Falcons.

However, McConnell said Monday he’d “envisioned a moment like that” in reference to the eruption of cheers Darnold received as he was shown on the big screen in U.S. Bank Stadium as the clock ticked down on a 42-21 victory.

The looming reality, though, is that Darnold, who becomes a free agent at season’s end, might not be wearing purple next year. He stamped his résumé for other teams with his 347-yard, five-touchdown performance.

Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips‘ phrasing Tuesday talking about Darnold’s value alluded to the open-endedness of Darnold’s future.

“We all know that Sam is gonna be a sought-after type of guy from wherever that may be,” Phillips said. “Whatever his future ends up being, I know all of us in this building are gonna be happy for him, no matter where that ends up being. I don’t think he has to worry about that anymore.

“The worry might’ve been, okay, this might be my opportunity to play. He’s past all that. He’s proven the doubters, and he’s proven that he can play in this league.”

The Vikings didn’t pay Kirk Cousins, who they beat Sunday, the big bucks last year knowing they planned to draft a quarterback.

With high hopes for first round pick J.J. McCarthy to recover from knee surgery and possibly step in next season, it might not make financial sense for the Vikings to pay Darnold — unless he leads a Super Bowl run in the next two months.