The Minnesota Vikings have made a surprising decision regarding the future of quarterback Sam Darnold, as multiple media outlets reported on Monday that the team will not be using the franchise tag to retain him. This news has sent shockwaves throughout the NFL, with many fans and analysts alike wondering what this means for the Vikings' quarterback situation moving forward.
Despite the decision not to use the franchise tag, the Vikings have expressed their desire to re-sign Darnold, indicating that they still believe he has a significant role to play in the team's future. However, by not using the franchise tag, the Vikings are essentially allowing Darnold to test the free agent market, where he will be able to negotiate with other teams and potentially secure a more lucrative deal.
The deadline for teams to use the franchise tag is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, and with the Vikings opting not to use it on Darnold, the quarterback will become an unrestricted free agent if a new deal is not reached before the start of the new league year. This means that Darnold will be free to sign with any team he chooses, and the Vikings will have to compete with other suitors if they want to retain his services.
The decision not to use the franchise tag on Darnold is a significant one, as it suggests that the Vikings are not willing to commit to him as their long-term quarterback. The franchise tag would have guaranteed Darnold a one-year contract worth the average of the top five quarterback salaries in the league, which would have been a significant financial commitment for the Vikings. By opting not to use the tag, the Vikings are able to maintain more flexibility in terms of their salary cap situation, which could be crucial in their efforts to re-sign other key players or make additions to their roster through free agency.
While the Vikings have expressed their desire to re-sign Darnold, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to come to an agreement with the quarterback. Darnold has had an up-and-down career to this point, with flashes of brilliance mixed with periods of inconsistency. However, he is still relatively young and has shown enough promise to suggest that he could be a key contributor to a team's success moving forward.
As the Vikings move forward, they will have to weigh their options carefully and consider what is best for the team. If they are unable to re-sign Darnold, they will have to explore other options at quarterback, whether through free agency or the draft. The team has a number of other key players who are set to become free agents, and they will have to navigate a complex salary cap situation in order to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season.
One thing is certain, however: the Vikings' decision not to use the franchise tag on Darnold has set off a chain reaction of events that will have significant implications for the team's future. As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, fans will be watching with bated breath to see how the situation plays out and what the ultimate outcome will be for the Vikings and their quarterback of the future.