As the Minnesota Vikings mull over their quarterback situation, Sam Darnold’s future with the team remains a topic of active discussion, but not at the steep price of a franchise tag.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on SportsCenter that while the Vikings are open to negotiating a new contract with Darnold, applying the franchise tag, which could cost around $40 million, is unlikely.
Fowler further explained the team’s financial caution with a deal involving Darnold, emphasizing how the team is unprepared to make a massive investment that will impact their long-term future.
“Minnesota’s stance seems to be that they’re not gonna mortgage the future for Sam Darnold if he’s getting major bank with another team somewhere else, but they’re certainly open to having him back. They loved having him.”
Darnold’s performance last season could make him a desirable free agent. He threw for 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns, earning his first-ever Pro Bowl nod. Despite this, the Vikings see Darnold as a bridge quarterback, given their plans for JJ McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft who missed last season due to a torn meniscus.
“What was made clear to me, though, is JJ McCarthy is the franchise quarterback at some point, whether that’s six months or now, 12 months, 18 months, they have not made that firm determination yet, but he will be the guy,” Fowler noted.
Meanwhile, the possibility of retaining Daniel Jones, who was added to the practice squad last November, remains on the table as a cost-effective alternative.
Despite his stellar season, Darnold’s year ended on a low note, with the Vikings scoring just nine points in the regular-season finale and their NFC Wild Card game. Nonetheless, Minnesota’s win total doubled from the previous year and finished ninth in scoring, mainly due to Darnold’s contributions.
Darnold’s contract expectations could see him land a substantial deal, similar to those of Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield, who signed for $75 million and $100 million over three years, respectively.
“Teams have forecasted him in the Geno Smith/Baker Mayfield weight class of contracts,” Fowler reported last month.
As the free agency period approaches in March, Darnold’s situation is emblematic of the broader quarterback market dynamics and the Vikings’ strategic planning. Sam Darnold’s next steps will be closely watched whether he stays or seeks a new team.
