The Minnesota Vikings are keeping their options open regarding quarterback Sam Darnold’s future, but a key move on Tuesday suggests they’re preparing for all possibilities—including potentially using the franchise tag. This decision could ripple across the NFL, impacting teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are also in the market for a quarterback.
On Tuesday, the Vikings allowed Darnold’s contract to void, a necessary step to retain the option of franchising him. By doing so, Minnesota absorbed a dead salary cap hit, a move they could have avoided if they intended to re-sign Darnold to a long-term deal. This signals that a multi-year extension for Darnold is unlikely, though the Vikings haven’t ruled out using the franchise tag to keep him for another season.
The franchise tag window opened on Tuesday and runs through March 4, giving the Vikings time to weigh their options. Darnold, who signed a one-year deal last offseason, exceeded expectations in 2024, leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record—their best since 1998—after rookie J.J. McCarthy, the team’s first-round pick, suffered a season-ending preseason injury. However, Darnold’s struggles in Week 18 against the Detroit Lions and in the Wild Card playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams have clouded his future.
Now, the question is whether Darnold is worth the $41 million it would cost to franchise him for one year. The quarterback market is thin, and with McCarthy still recovering and yet to play a regular-season snap, the Vikings may not want to enter 2025 without a reliable backup plan. Tagging Darnold could provide that security, or the Vikings could explore a tag-and-trade scenario to a quarterback-needy team.
While the Steelers haven’t been closely linked to Darnold, they are among the teams searching for quarterback help. If the Vikings franchise Darnold, it would shrink an already limited pool of available quarterbacks, potentially driving up prices for other free agents. Even if Pittsburgh isn’t targeting Darnold specifically, Minnesota’s decision could indirectly affect their offseason plans.
For now, the Vikings are playing it safe, keeping their options open as they navigate a pivotal offseason. Whether Darnold stays in Minnesota, hits free agency, or becomes a trade chip, his situation will be one to watch as the quarterback market takes shape.
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