Despite a standout 14-win season and ranking in the top five for passing touchdowns and passer rating, the Minnesota Vikings have chosen not to place the franchise tag on quarterback Sam Darnold. Coming off a career year and earning his first Pro Bowl appearance, Darnold still didn’t receive the franchise tag.
While the Vikings are reportedly working to re-sign him, they won’t offer him the $40.2 million that the franchise tag would have entailed. If they fail to retain Darnold, they will need to find another quarterback to either back up or compete with J.J. McCarthy. A potential solution may be closer than they think.
Last offseason, the Vikings made a smart move by signing Darnold to a one-year, $10 million deal, and they might look for another similar bargain this year. The perfect candidate could already be on their roster from late last season—Daniel Jones, who joined the team after being released by the New York Giants.
Daniel Jones
After leading the Giants to a Wild Card playoff win over the Vikings, Jones signed a four-year, $160 million extension. However, after tearing his ACL the following season, he never regained his former level of play.
If Darnold departs, the Vikings will need a reliable replacement. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer recently predicted that Jones could return to Minnesota, where he would back up J.J. McCarthy in an offense led by NFL Coach of the Year Kevin O’Connell.
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