The Minnesota Vikings are unlikely to make use of the franchise tag on QB Sam Darnold

In 2024, Sam Darold had a breakout yr within the NFL. It was his first season with the Minnesota Vikings. Darnold was on a one-year, $10 million deal. He greater than exceeded his expectations with Minnesota. 

Darnold began all 17 video games for the Vikings in 2024 and went 14-3. After his career-best season, the Vikings won’t use the franchise tag on the 27-year-old. There may be hope that the 2 sides can attain an settlement this offseason for a long-term extension.

Sam Darnold won’t be franchise-tagged by the Vikings

Vikings QB Sam Darnold is unlikely to be franchise tagged forward of Tuesday’s 4 pm ET deadline, per league sources.

Minnesota nonetheless is concerned with working to re-sign Darnold, however it’s more likely to be with none tag. pic.twitter.com/wJLma2AIzs

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2025

Heading into the 2024 season, the Vikings had two QBs. Sam Darnold was their veteran QB and J.J. McCarthy was the rookie first-round choose. Many media members throughout the league anticipated Darnold to begin the season. Someplace within the yr, they’d flip the reigns over to McCarthy. Nevertheless, that plan went sideways when the rookie suffered a season-ending knee harm within the preseason.

That compelled Sam Darnold right into a full-time beginning position for the primary time for the reason that 2021 season. In 17 begins for the Vikings in 2024, Darnold had a career-best season, going 14-3. His 4,319 yards and 35 passing touchdowns had been new career-highs. He was prime 5 in passing yards and passing touchdowns. Sufficient for Darnold to earn his first Professional Bowl choice.

After his career-best season, the Vikings have a predicament forward. Sam Darnold regarded unimaginable with the Vikings in 2024. Nevertheless, the workforce is invested in the way forward for J.J. McCarthy. Darnold will flip 28 this summer time and is simply hitting the prime of his profession. Will the Vikings let Darnold stroll after his career-best season? Free company begins at 4:00 p.m. EST on March 12.