Vikings Opt Against Franchise Tag for Darnold, Opening Door to Free Agency
The Minnesota Vikings have made a significant decision regarding quarterback Sam Darnold, opting not to utilize their franchise tag on him before the Tuesday deadline. This move throws Darnold into the free agent pool when the new league year officially begins on March 12, giving him the opportunity to explore options with other teams.
While the franchise tag could have kept Darnold in Minnesota for at least another year, the Vikings have chosen a different path, potentially signaling a shift in their long-term quarterback strategy. However, the door isn’t entirely closed on a Darnold return to the Twin Cities. Reports indicate that the Vikings are still interested in potentially negotiating a long-term contract with the signal-caller, suggesting a desire to retain him within the organization, albeit under different financial terms.
The decision not to franchise tag Darnold comes at a time when several NFL teams are expected to be in the market for experienced quarterbacks. The upcoming free agency period is predicted to be active in this regard, partly due to the perceived weakness of the quarterback class in the upcoming NFL Draft. Many teams struggling to find their franchise quarterback may find the free agency market a more attractive option than relying on a less-than-stellar draft pool.
The franchise tag is a tool NFL teams can use during the offseason to prevent a key player on an expiring contract from leaving. It essentially buys the team time to further evaluate the player and negotiate a long-term deal. However, the one-year arrangement that comes with the franchise tag carries a significant financial burden. The price is fixed based on the average of the top salaries at the player’s position.
In Darnold’s case, the franchise tag would have cost the Vikings between $35 million and $41 million for the 2025 season, depending on the specific type of tag applied. This hefty price tag likely played a significant role in the Vikings’ decision, as they clearly believe that allocating those funds elsewhere would better serve the team’s overall needs.
While Darnold led the Vikings to a respectable 14-3 regular-season record last year, the team’s brass is reportedly eyeing multiple positions on the roster for potential upgrades. Furthermore, the Vikings invested a first-round pick in quarterback J.J. McCarthy in last year’s NFL Draft, indicating a potential future at the position.
Darnold showcased a strong performance in his first season under Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system. This performance gave the Vikings something to think about, especially as they weighed their options for the future of the quarterback position. They’ve been considering whether it’s worth investing in Darnold’s continued progression under O’Connell for another season, while also allowing McCarthy to further develop and learn from the sidelines. McCarthy, who spent his rookie year on injured reserve recovering from a torn meniscus in his right knee, will need time to get back into playing form.
Despite his strong regular-season performance, Darnold’s play in the playoffs raised concerns. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Vikings 27-9 in the postseason, with Darnold struggling under pressure. He was sacked nine times and threw an interception in the game, highlighting potential weaknesses in his game that the Vikings’ front office must consider.
If Darnold were to sign with another team this year, the Vikings would be in line to receive a compensatory draft pick in 2026. This potential draft pick could further influence their decision-making process, as it would provide them with additional resources to rebuild and strengthen the team in the long term.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has expressed a high level of respect for Darnold, emphasizing the strong relationship that has developed between them.
"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 said 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."
O’Connell’s comments suggest a genuine appreciation for Darnold’s contributions to the team and a desire to see him succeed, regardless of whether that success comes in Minnesota or elsewhere. The Vikings’ decision to forego the franchise tag signifies a calculated gamble, balancing the desire to retain a capable quarterback with the need to allocate resources strategically and develop their long-term plan at the quarterback position. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Darnold’s future and the Vikings’ quarterback situation moving forward.
