The Minnesota Vikings have made a significant decision regarding the future of quarterback Sam Darnold, and it has sent shockwaves throughout the NFL. According to multiple media outlets, the Vikings will not be using the franchise tag to retain Darnold, despite their reported desire to re-sign him.
The news comes as the deadline for teams to use the franchise tag approaches, with teams having until Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET to make their decisions. The franchise tag would have allowed the Vikings to retain Darnold for another season, but it appears that they are choosing not to go down that route.
Instead, the Vikings are reportedly hoping to re-sign Darnold to a long-term contract. This move suggests that the team believes Darnold is a key part of their future plans, but they are not willing to commit to the hefty price tag that comes with the franchise tag.
The decision not to use the franchise tag on Darnold is a surprising one, given the quarterback's potential and the Vikings' need for stability at the position. However, it is clear that the team is taking a calculated approach to their roster management, and they are choosing to prioritize long-term flexibility over short-term security.
The Vikings' decision on Darnold is just the latest development in what has been a busy offseason for the team. With the NFL draft and free agency just around the corner, the Vikings are likely to be active in their pursuit of talent and roster upgrades.
For Darnold, the news means that he will hit the open market unless he can agree to a new contract with the Vikings before the start of free agency. The quarterback has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, but he has also struggled with inconsistency and injury.
Despite these challenges, Darnold remains a highly sought-after commodity in the NFL, and he is likely to attract significant interest from teams looking to upgrade their quarterback position. The Vikings, however, are clearly hoping to retain him, and they will likely be working hard to negotiate a new contract in the coming days.
As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, the situation with Darnold and the Vikings will be one to watch. With the team's decision not to use the franchise tag, the door is now open for Darnold to explore his options and potentially sign with a new team. However, the Vikings are clearly committed to re-signing him, and they will likely stop at nothing to make it happen.