A Sam Darnold trade represented a long shot in the first place, and it now appears the notion was merely the best-laid plan from fans.
Report: Vikings Render Verdict on Sam Darnold, Franchise Tag
The Minnesota Vikings will not apply the franchise tag on Darnold, 27, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, which means general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will not trade the first-time Pro Bowler.
Instead, Darnold will hit open free-agency if he doesn’t agree to a team-friendly extension in Minnesota.
Schefter tweeted Monday night, about 19 hours before the league’s franchise tag deadline: “Vikings QB Sam Darnold is unlikely to be franchise tagged ahead of Tuesday’s 4 pm ET deadline, per league sources. Minnesota still is interested in working to re-sign Darnold, but it is likely to be without any tag.”
Star Tribune‘s Ben Goessling provided context: “Sources said at the combine last week they didn’t expect a Darnold tag, pointing out it would effectively function like a no-trade clause. Now, it’s either a new deal in Minnesota or another team next week.”
The no-trade clause nugget assumed Darnold would have the power to tell a would-be trade partner that he would not sign an extension with that team, handing all the leverage to the player — not the Vikings or the pursuant franchise.
The tweets are a fancy way of saying that Darnold will likely hit the open market in six days when free agency kicks off with the “legal tampering” phase. On the open market, Darnold might command around $40 million annually. He earned $10 million with the Vikings in 2024.
Darnold grabbed the QB1 job last summer after rookie passer J.J. McCarthy tore his meniscus and looked the part of a franchise quarterback for 16 games. Minnesota later crumbled in the season’s final two games — the most important ones — and Darnold played an integral role in the collapse. In fact, his performance in those contests against the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams might’ve doomed the Vikings’ chances of netting a draft pick via trade involving Darnold.
Without Darnold on the 2025 roster, assuming he doesn’t sign a modest extension, Minnesota is expected to give McCarthy the QB1 baton next season and let ‘er rip.
The Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tennessee Titans are considered legitimate landing spots for Darnold if he hits the open market next Monday.
Minnesota could re-sign veteran signal-caller Daniel Jones next week for the “Darnold role” in 2025 — an experienced insurance policy to pair with McCarthy.
Darnold will turn 28 this summer.
The Cincinnati Bengals stole franchise tag headlines Monday by applying the label on wide receiver Tee Higgins, his second time receiving such treatment.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.