Vikings Decide Against Franchise Tag for Sam Darnold After Pro Bowl Season

Minnesota plans to move forward with J.J. McCarthy as its quarterback of the future while exploring options for Darnold in free agency.

Sam Darnold had a breakout season in 2024, leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record and earning his first Pro Bowl selection with 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and a 102.5 passer rating.
Despite his strong performance, the Vikings have decided not to use the $40 million franchise tag on Darnold, prioritizing cap space for other team needs like the offensive line and secondary.
Minnesota is committed to developing J.J. McCarthy, their first-round pick from 2024, as the team's long-term quarterback after his recovery from a knee injury that sidelined him last season.
NFL insiders suggest Darnold may explore free agency, with teams like the Titans and Raiders potentially interested, though concerns about his consistency and price tag remain.
The Vikings are reportedly considering more cost-effective options, such as adding Daniel Jones to compete with McCarthy, rather than committing to a long-term deal with Darnold.