The Minnesota Vikings are expected to let their starting quarterback influence the NFL free agent market for the second consecutive offseason. Opting not to place the franchise tag on Sam Darnold before the deadline, the Vikings are keeping their options open to strengthen their roster and potentially allow Darnold to explore opportunities with other teams when free agency commences next week.
This move may ring familiar as the Vikings took a similar approach last year when they chose not to re-sign Kirk Cousins. The franchise tag serves as a mechanism for teams to retain a key player with an expiring contract for an additional year, but at a significant cost based on top salaries in the position group. For Darnold, this price would range between $35 million and $41 million for 2025, making it a risky prospect for the Vikings to apply the tag and attempt a trade, especially given the likelihood of an acquiring team seeking a long-term deal.
With the Vikings looking to upgrade various areas despite a successful 14-win season in 2024 and nurturing young talent in quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the salary cap flexibility gained by letting Darnold enter free agency will aid their efforts to reload for another shot at the Super Bowl. While Darnold’s future in Minnesota remains uncertain, his rapport with Coach of the Year awardee Kevin O’Connell could make a return appealing, provided it aligns with the team’s broader positional needs and financial considerations.
Given the scarcity of starting quarterbacks across the league this offseason and a slim draft class compared to the previous year, Darnold, coming off a standout season at 27, is poised to secure a lucrative contract. Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants, with cap room to spare and a need for a quarterback, could emerge as potential suitors.
The Vikings are deliberating whether to bet on Darnold’s continued growth under O’Connell’s guidance while allowing McCarthy more time to develop after a season marred by injury. Darnold’s recent struggles against formidable pass rushes in critical games underscore the importance of balancing a veteran quarterback’s salary against the value of having McCarthy on a rookie contract. If Darnold signs elsewhere, the Vikings stand to gain a compensatory draft pick in 2026.
O’Connell highlighted the positive rapport he shares with Darnold and expressed confidence in the quarterback’s abilities during discussions at the NFL scouting combine. Darnold’s potential to excel at a high level in the NFL positions him as a sought-after asset in the upcoming free agency frenzy.
Assisting him in reaching this stage has been crucial. We will observe the direction it takes from here.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
