Flores is one reason why a playoff loss this time around could precipitate widespread change.
If he left, the Vikings would be revamping their defensive scheme, and would be missing one of the driving forces of the many shrewd acquisitions that made this defense special.
Top cornerback Stephon Gilmore is playing on a one-year contract, as is third corner Shaq Griffin. Safety Harrison Smith might retire, and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and safety Cam Bynum are playing in the last year of their deals. Theoretically, all could depart, although the Vikings are more likely to find a way to keep two or three.
Which brings us to the man of the hour, or three.
Sam Darnold could become the most unlikely hero in franchise history, could earn a large contract from the Vikings, or could again enter the open market with regret.