Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is unlikely to be franchise-tagged by the team before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline, according to league sources. The team still wants to re-sign Darnold, but it appears they will do so without using a tag.
Darnold, 27, had a breakout season last year under coach Kevin O’Connell, leading the Vikings to 14 wins and earning his first Pro Bowl invitation. He ranked fifth in the NFL with passing yards and touchdown passes. However, he struggled in the final two games of the season, throwing off-target throws and taking 11 sacks.
The Vikings signed Darnold in 2024 as a backup plan for their quarterback of the future. He was expected to start but suffered an injury that allowed J.J. McCarthy to take over. Darnold has spent seven seasons in the NFL with 16,383 passing yards and 98 touchdowns.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44100716/vikings-unlikely-tag-darnold-hope-sign-him