Vikings decline franchise tag option for Sam Darnold despite breakout season: report

The Minnesota Vikings Opt Not to Tag Sam Darnold, Opening the Door to Free Agency

The Minnesota Vikings have made the decision not to use their franchise tag on quarterback Sam Darnold, according to ESPN. This move comes as NFL teams faced a deadline to decide on franchise tags earlier this week. As a result, Darnold will now be eligible to enter the free agent market when it officially opens on March 12, marking the start of the NFL’s new league year. While this decision doesn’t necessarily mean Darnold’s departure from the Vikings, it does signal that the team is exploring other options for securing his services. Reports indicate that the Vikings are open to negotiating a long-term contract with Darnold, suggesting they still see value in having him as their quarterback moving forward.

Darnold Hits Free Agency Amid a Competitive Market for Quarterbacks

With the free agency period set to begin, Darnold will join a market that is expected to be competitive, particularly for quarterbacks. This year’s draft class for quarterbacks is considered weaker compared to the 2024 class, which means several teams may look to free agency to address their quarterback needs. Darnold, who led the Vikings to a 14-3 record last season, could attract significant interest from teams seeking an experienced leader under center. However, the Vikings are still in the mix to retain him, as they weigh their options for the future of their quarterback position.

Understanding the Franchise Tag and Its Implications

The franchise tag is a tool NFL teams use to retain key players whose contracts are expiring. It allows teams to keep a player for one more year at a salary determined by the top earnings of players at their position. For Darnold, had the Vikings used the tag, he would have earned between $35 million and $41 million in 2025, depending on whether it was an exclusive or non-exclusive tag. However, the Vikings decided against this route, opting instead to explore a long-term deal or allow Darnold to test the market. This decision reflects the team’s careful consideration of both financial and strategic factors.

The Vikings’ Strategic Considerations

The Vikings’ decision not to tag Darnold comes as they evaluate their roster and future plans. Last year, the team invested a first-round draft pick in quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who spent his rookie season on injured reserve due to a torn meniscus in his right knee. McCarthy’s development will likely play a role in the Vikings’ quarterback decisions moving forward. Meanwhile, Darnold’s performance last season was a mixed bag. While he excelled in the regular season under head coach Kevin O’Connell, his playoff performance raised concerns, particularly after a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Rams, where he was sacked nine times and threw an interception.

Implications of Darnold’s Potential Departure

If Darnold were to sign with another team during free agency, the Vikings would be in line for a compensatory draft pick in 2026, which could help them bolster their roster in the future. However, the Vikings seem committed to keeping Darnold if possible, given his strong regular-season performance and the rapport he has built with O’Connell. The coach has praised Darnold’s growth and expressed pride in helping him reach a high level of play. Despite this, the team is taking a cautious approach, weighing the potential benefits ofRetention against the need to upgrade other areas of their roster.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Darnold and the Vikings?

As the NFL world waits to see where Darnold lands, the Vikings are preparing for a critical offseason. The team’s decision not to tag Darnold signals a strategic approach to roster-building, balancing the desire to retain talent with the need to address other positions. Whether Darnold remains in Minnesota or moves on to another team, his performance last season has demonstrated his potential to lead a team at a high level. For now, all eyes are on March 12, when the free agency period officially begins and the next chapter of Darnold’s career will start to unfold.