Why the Vikings Are Expected to Pass on Franchise Tagging Sam Darnold: Insights and Implications

Sam Darnold, the quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, is unlikely to receive the franchise tag before Tuesday’s deadline, according to sources. While the Vikings are still interested in re-signing him, it seems they will do so without the tag.

Darnold, now 27, thrived in the Vikings’ system last season. Under coach Kevin O’Connell’s guidance, he helped lead the team to 14 victories, a stark contrast to the 21 wins he’d managed in his previous six seasons. He also ranked fifth in the NFL for both passing yards (4,319) and touchdown passes (35), earning a Pro Bowl selection for the first time in his career.

However, Darnold’s performance dipped towards the end of the season. In his last two games, he struggled significantly, with numerous off-target throws and a high number of sacks. The Vikings faced tough losses to the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs, which highlighted some of Darnold’s limitations.

The Vikings originally signed Darnold in 2024 as a backup plan while they sought a quarterback for their future, selecting J.J. McCarthy in the draft. Darnold’s role was to be a reliable option to give McCarthy time to develop. However, with McCarthy’s unfortunate injury during the preseason, Darnold found himself in a position to start in Week 1 after a solid training camp.

Before joining the Vikings, Darnold was the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He played three seasons with the New York Jets, then spent two years with the Carolina Panthers, and had a brief stint as a backup with the San Francisco 49ers. This season with the Vikings was seen as a crucial chance for him to prove he could still be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

Throughout his seven seasons in the league, Darnold has accumulated 16,383 passing yards, with 98 touchdowns and 68 interceptions. His next move with the Vikings will be closely watched as he continues his journey in professional football.

Check out this related article: Vikings’ QB Sam Darnold: No Franchise Tag in Sight as Teams Explore Future Options