The San Francisco 49ers as a team had nothing to play for in their regular-season finale, but backup quarterback Sam Darnold was playing for a lot.

A free agent in 2024, Darnold was hoping to make a good impression not just for the 49ers, but for teams around the league who might be vying for his services. He was also playing to earn an incentive in his contract. 

Darnold earns $58,824 whenever he's active for a game and earns $300,000 for any game in which he plays 25 percent of the snaps and the Niners win. As such, a 49ers victory against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18 would have added a lot of money to his pocket, and that will make their 21-20 defeat doubly painful for Darnold.

San Francisco, resting many of its starters in the second half, let a 20-6 lead slip as the 49ers' regular-season winning streak over the Rams was snapped at nine games.

Darnold had a chance to lead the 49ers on a game-winning drive, but fumbled with 33 seconds remaining as the Rams secured victory.

He finished the game 16 of 26 for 181 yards and a touchdown. Darnold also rushed for a touchdown.

But, as the Niners shifted more backups in, Darnold was regularly let down by both his offensive line and his wide receivers late in the game, with the outcome especially frustrating for a player San Francisco hopes it won't have to use again in the postseason.

49ers reveal new injury issues during Week 18

They don’t sound serious.