The Minnesota Vikings are willing to risk it all. According to the Athletic's Alec Lewis, the Vikings are expected to spare 2024 Pro Bowl quarterback Sam Darnold the franchise tag and will allow him to test unrestricted free agency.
The Vikings Qs we're seeking answers to next week in Indy... https://t.co/WNFV8JhLb8
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) February 20, 2025
During a busy 2024 offseason that included parting ways with longtime starter Kirk Cousins and nabbing Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Vikings signed Darnold to a one-year, $4.5 million deal to compete for a starting opportunity.
After McCarthy suffered a knee injury that would ultimately end his season, Darnold emerged as the clear starter heading into Week 1. He contributed a breakout year, spurring the Vikings to a 14-3 record while passing for 4319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
The Vikings have been preparing for the eventuality of losing Darnold ever since they were eliminated from the playoffs. Notably, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said prior to the Super Bowl that Darnold had "earned the right to be a free agent."
If the Vikings wanted to hold onto Darnold, they could theoretically place the franchise tag on him, but that would cost them nearly $43 million on a one-year deal. It appears they've decided he isn't worth it.
Moving on from Darnold is a risky proposition for the Vikings given their success last year, but it may be a shrewd one. Darnold was certainly productive last season, but it's possible the Vikings' self-scouting recognizes that he was the beneficiary of O'Connell's playcalling and a loaded offense that included Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, Jordan Addison, and Aaron Jones.
If the Vikings have faith in McCarthy entering his second year, they shouldn't commit significant money to Darnold. McCarthy has four years left on an affordable rookie contract, and even if he isn't immediately Darnold's equal on the field, the cap savings starting him would provide could help the Vikings build out the rest of their roster. If McCarthy can exceed Darnold, the Vikings will have a chance to be truly dominant.
As for Darnold, he appears poised to become arguably the most in-demand free agent of the offseason. He'll be an enticing option for quarterback-needy teams who believe they're ready to compete. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and New Orleans Saints could all be logical fits. If a bidding war breaks out, Darnold could land a deal similar to the four-year, $180 million deal Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons last offseason.
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