The Minnesota Vikings, coming off a 14-win regular season, face a pivotal decision regarding quarterback Sam Darnold’s future. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has acknowledged Darnold’s contributions, noting that the quarterback has earned the right to explore free agency. However, the Vikings have left themselves a potential backup plan by not adjusting the void date on Darnold’s contract, which expired 23 days before the start of the new league year on March 12. This means the team could still use the franchise tag on Darnold, though doing so would accelerate $5 million in dead money onto their 2025 salary cap.
Darnold, who played on a one-year, $10 million deal in 2024, is expected to command a significant raise this offseason. The franchise tag for quarterbacks in 2025 is projected at $42.4 million, while Spotrac estimates Darnold’s market value at around $40.1 million annually, potentially landing him a four-year, $160.5 million contract. This would place him 15th among NFL quarterbacks in both annual and total value.
The Vikings have until March 4 to decide whether to apply the franchise tag to Darnold, a move that would limit his options and leave him without long-term security. Vikings legend Jared Allen expressed skepticism about Darnold’s ability to lead a team to the Super Bowl, cautioning against committing significant resources to retain him. Meanwhile, Hall of Famer Cris Carter advocated for using the franchise tag on Darnold and letting him compete with 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy in training camp.
“I think they should keep both quarterbacks,” Carter said on *Up & Adams*. “Franchise him, pay him $41 million, and let him and J.J. have a competition come the fall. Sam Darnold thrived in Kevin O’Connell’s system, and having a quarterback like him is a commodity you can eventually trade.”
Carter emphasized the importance of system fit for quarterbacks, noting that Darnold’s success in Minnesota was a result of being in the right environment. The Vikings could also consider the $36.2 million transition tag, which would allow them to match any offer Darnold receives in free agency but would not provide compensation if they choose not to match.
As the Vikings weigh their options, the decision on Darnold’s future will have significant implications for their 2025 season and beyond.
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