{"id":25515,"date":"2025-03-04T16:06:40","date_gmt":"2025-03-04T15:06:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/?p=25515"},"modified":"2025-03-04T16:06:41","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T15:06:41","slug":"vikings-not-likely-to-use-franchise-tag-on-sam-darnold","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/vikings-not-likely-to-use-franchise-tag-on-sam-darnold\/","title":{"rendered":"Vikings Not Likely To Use Tag On Sam Darnold"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the deadline for tagging players just hours away, the Minnesota Vikings have all but confirmed their decision to not tag quarterback Sam Darnold. This is a crucial decision for the Vikings as Darnold played a crucial role in their 2024 campaign last year, leading the team to a 14-3 record and into the postseason. <\/p>

Last season was the best season of Darnold’s career thus far and that too by a long shot. Minnesota also drafted J.J. McCarthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL<\/a> draft and were pondering whether to start him or hand the reins to Darnold<\/a> for one year before a preseason injury ruled the former out for the season. Eventually, McCarthy’s loss was Darnold’s gain.<\/p>

Why Minnesota May Not Be Keen On The Tag<\/h2>

The Vikings are in a bit of a pickle when it comes to making this decision. Despite having signed Darnold as a bridge quarterback for McCarthy, their plans went haywire once the latter tore his meniscus and the former Jet’s quarterback took over. <\/p>

After having a career year where he threw for 4,319 yards and 35 passing touchdowns, Darnold looked at ease under Kevin O’Connell and his offense, especially with the likes of Justin Jefferson to throw to. There is still the possibility of tagging and then trading him to get back some sort of draft capital. <\/p>

Also Read:<\/strong> Jalen Hurts’ lookalike at NFL Combine sparks debate<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

However, it is going to be McCarthy’s show in Minnesota and to keep Darnold on by franchise tagging him will cost them north of $40 million. The truth is that, while Darnold’s brilliant season last year was a huge win for the Vikings, his value has shot up and what Minnesota got for a mere $10 million will now require four times the amount of money to keep him. <\/p>

Having said that, reports also indicate that the NFC North franchise is keen on keeping Darnold in the team but that would be if the two parties can mutually agree on a contract extension rather than applying the tag. <\/p>

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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. pic.twitter.com\/wJLma2AIzs<\/a><\/p>— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>