Sam Darnold, who joined the Minnesota Vikings for the 2024 NFL season, emerged as a pivotal figure in the team’s offense, guiding the team to a 14-3 regular season record. However, the team must determine the best path forward, as he is due for a new contract after a disappointing end to an NFL postseason run.
According to reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Vikings have decided against using the franchise tag on Darnold for the upcoming 2025 season.
NFL News: Minnesota Vikings Face Tough Sam Darnold Question
With the NFL franchise tag deadline set for 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the team appears to be exploring other contractual options to retain the quarterback without committing to the tag.
Throughout the season, he completed 66.2 percent of his passes, throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Despite this impressive stat line, Darnold’s tenure with the Vikings came up short in high-stakes games when it mattered most.
The Vikings’ choice not to tag Darnold could risk losing him to free agency, where he might command significant interest, given his resurgence last season. This scenario puts Minnesota in a position to possibly lose a revitalized quarterback without receiving any compensation in return.
Despite a disappointing end to the season, where Darnold struggled in critical games against the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs, his overall performance has significantly rehabilitated his career image.
Before joining the Vikings, Darnold’s NFL journey was marked by inconsistency and unmet expectations during his stints with the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and San Francisco 49ers.
The decision to potentially not use the franchise tag on Darnold comes as the Vikings evaluate their long-term quarterback needs.
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Minnesota had previously invested in the future by selecting J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. McCarthy, who missed his rookie season due to injury, is seen as a potential key player for the franchise moving forward.
As the Vikings continue to deliberate their quarterback strategy, Darnold’s future with the team remains uncertain.
Minnesota’s management has expressed interest in potentially bringing Darnold back under a different contractual arrangement, reflecting their belief in his ability to contribute to the team’s success. However, there is a reluctance to invest too heavily for too long in Darnold since McCarthy is still viewed as the team’s future quarterback.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how the Vikings navigate their quarterback situation as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season.
