Report: Vikings Render Verdict on Sam Darnold, Franchise Tag

Steve Roberts-Imagn Pictures.

A Sam Darnold commerce represented an extended shot within the first place, and it now seems the notion was merely the best-laid plan from followers.

Report: Vikings Render Verdict on Sam Darnold, Franchise Tag

The Minnesota Vikings is not going to apply the franchise tag on Darnold, 27, in keeping with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, which suggests basic supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is not going to commerce the first-time Professional Bowler.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Pictures.

As a substitute, Darnold will hit open free-agency if he doesn’t comply with a team-friendly extension in Minnesota.

Schefter tweeted Monday night time, about 19 hours earlier than the league’s franchise tag deadline: “Vikings QB Sam Darnold is unlikely to be franchise tagged ahead of Tuesday’s 4 pm ET deadline, per league sources. Minnesota still is interested in working to re-sign Darnold, but it is likely to be without any tag.”

Star Tribune‘s Ben Goessling offered context: “Sources said at the combine last week they didn’t expect a Darnold tag, pointing out it would effectively function like a no-trade clause. Now, it’s either a new deal in Minnesota or another team next week.”

Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Pictures.

The no-trade clause nugget assumed Darnold would have the ability to inform a would-be commerce companion that he wouldn’t signal an extension with that staff, handing all of the leverage to the participant — not the Vikings or the pursuant franchise.

The tweets are a elaborate manner of claiming that Darnold will doubtless hit the open market in six days when free company kicks off with the “legal tampering” section. On the open market, Darnold would possibly command round $40 million yearly. He earned $10 million with the Vikings in 2024.

Darnold grabbed the QB1 job final summer season after rookie passer J.J. McCarthy tore his meniscus and regarded the a part of a franchise quarterback for 16 video games. Minnesota later crumbled within the season’s closing two video games — crucial ones — and Darnold performed an integral function within the collapse. In actual fact, his efficiency in these contests towards the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams would possibly’ve doomed the Vikings’ possibilities of netting a draft choose by way of commerce involving Darnold.

Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports activities.

With out Darnold on the 2025 roster, assuming he doesn’t signal a modest extension, Minnesota is anticipated to offer McCarthy the QB1 baton subsequent season and let ‘er rip.

The Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tennessee Titans are thought of reliable touchdown spots for Darnold if he hits the open market subsequent Monday.

Minnesota may re-sign veteran signal-caller Daniel Jones subsequent week for the “Darnold role” in 2025 — an skilled insurance coverage coverage to pair with McCarthy.

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports activities.

Darnold will flip 28 this summer season.

The Cincinnati Bengals stole franchise tag headlines Monday by making use of the label on large receiver Tee Higgins, his second time receiving such remedy.

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the College of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his every day YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The present options company, evaluation, and opinion on all issues associated to the purple staff, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates again to 1996. Listed responsible pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doorways (the band). He follows the NBA as intently because the NFL. 

All statistics offered by Professional Soccer Reference / Stathead; all contractual data offered by OverTheCap.com.