MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings appear set to allow their starting quarterback to test free agency for the second consecutive offseason. The team has opted not to utilize the franchise tag on Sam Darnold prior to the league’s deadline, providing them with greater flexibility in enhancing their roster. This decision essentially makes Darnold, a first-time Pro Bowl selection, available to other teams as the free agency period kicks off next week.
This situation mirrors the Vikings’ actions from last year when they chose not to re-sign Kirk Cousins under somewhat differing circumstances.
The franchise tag is a tool that teams can apply each offseason to retain crucial players who are nearing the end of their contracts, while allowing additional time to consider more extensive deals. However, the one-year deal associated with the tag comes with a hefty price tag, determined by top salaries within that position group. For Darnold, this could have meant between $35 million and $41 million for 2025, depending on the specific tag. Using the tag with an aim to trade would have been a gamble for the Vikings, given that acquiring teams would likely seek a long-term agreement.
Following a successful 14-win season in 2024, the Vikings are targeting areas for upgrades, and they have already begun grooming J.J. McCarthy, a promising young quarterback. By allowing Darnold to explore the market, they are preserving vital salary cap space to bolster their chances for a Super Bowl run.
Darnold’s departure from Minnesota isn’t a foregone conclusion; his favorable rapport with Kevin O’Connell, the AP Coach of the Year, could make a return attractive despite potentially higher offers elsewhere. However, retaining Darnold would necessitate a deal that aligns with the Vikings’ objective to strengthen other roster positions. For example, when the Atlanta Falcons guaranteed Kirk Cousins $90 million over two seasons, the Vikings opted out.
With around 20% of the league lacking clarity at the quarterback position this spring, coupled with a less promising draft class than the previous year’s which boasted six first-round picks, Darnold, aged 27 and coming off his career-best season, is likely to secure a lucrative contract. The Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants, all requiring starting quarterbacks and with ample salary cap space, are potential bidders.
The Vikings are evaluating whether they should invest in Darnold’s continued growth during his second season under O’Connell. At the same time, McCarthy, who is recovering from a torn meniscus and spent his rookie year on injured reserve, is expected to benefit from additional learning time. Darnold’s standout season was marred by struggles against intense pass rushes during losses to the Detroit Lions for the NFC’s top seed and the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs’ wild-card round.
The longer the Vikings maintain a veteran quarterback with a starter’s salary, the less they can leverage McCarthy’s rookie-level contract. Additionally, if Darnold signs elsewhere, the Vikings could secure a compensatory draft pick in 2026.
“I’ve had great dialogue with Sam from the time this season ended up until very recently, and I think my relationship with Sam has grown to a point where the respect level is sky high,” O’Connell remarked last week at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. “Sam is in a position where the NFL thinks he can play quarterback at a high level, so that’s a really good thing and I feel very proud to be a part of helping him get to this point. We’ll see kind of where it goes from here.”
