Vikings’ QB Sam Darnold: No Franchise Tag in Sight as Teams Explore Future Options

The franchise tag for quarterbacks is set at $40.242 million for the non-exclusive tender. This figure might be more than the Vikings want to spend, especially if they are looking for another short-term solution with Sam Darnold.

Coach O’Connell mentioned at the NFL Scouting Combine that J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings’ first-round pick for 2024, is making good progress in his rehab after missing his entire rookie season due to a knee injury.

The Vikings have expressed interest in keeping Darnold since last year. However, with McCarthy in the mix, a long-term deal for Darnold seems less likely. Darnold is coming off the best season of his career, which puts him in a good position as he heads into free agency. With a draft that seems weak for quarterbacks, he has a unique advantage in the market.

After a rocky start in New York, Darnold moved from Carolina to San Francisco before joining the Vikings on a one-year deal last offseason. Under O’Connell’s guidance, Darnold thrived in a strong offensive system, benefiting from having top receiver Justin Jefferson. He achieved career highs by throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns with a 66.2 passer rating.

However, Darnold struggled toward the end of the season. He faced challenges during a tough Week 18 against the Lions and then had a disappointing performance in the Wild Card loss to the Chargers. These late-game issues could impact his free agency prospects.

If Darnold doesn’t land a major contract, staying with the Vikings might be a comfortable option as he enters his eighth season. He would likely compete with McCarthy for the starting role. If McCarthy isn’t fully recovered, Darnold could continue running an offense he understands well. This situation might provide a fresh start for a player who faced many ups and downs early in his career.