Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has earned the right to become a free agent after Super Bowl week comments from coach Kevin O’Connell. The team must decide by Tuesday whether to apply the franchise tag, which would cost $40.242 million in 2025 and potentially lock him into a multi-year deal.
If tagged, Darnold’s contract could resemble two years of his current deal, with a second tag costing an additional $48.29 million. This raises questions about the Vikings’ intentions for keeping or trading him. Meanwhile, 2024 first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy may seek to bypass three years on the bench, making a potential trade appealing.
The franchise tag deadline is approaching, and Darnold’s future hangs in the balance. If the Vikings fail to apply the tag by Tuesday, Darnold will become eligible for free agency, giving him control over his next move. The team must navigate this uncertainty while considering McCarthy’s development and potential market value.
Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/will-vikings-sam-darnold-do-a-new-deal