Vikings’ Decision on Sam Darnold’s Franchise Tag
The Minnesota Vikings made a strategic decision not to utilize their franchise tag on starting quarterback Sam Darnold before the recent deadline. This move, while expected due to the hefty $40.2 million fully-guaranteed price tag, has significant implications for the team’s quarterback situation moving forward.
Potential Shift in Quarterback Dynamics
With the Vikings opting not to franchise tag Darnold, the spotlight now shifts towards the highly anticipated potential trade involving J.J. McCarthy. There are reports indicating that the Vikings are still actively pursuing Darnold for another short-term deal. However, should this deal materialize, the structure of the contract becomes a crucial point of discussion, as highlighted by Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.
Impact of a Multi-Year Deal
If the Vikings secure Darnold with a new multi-year contract, potentially binding him to the team until at least the 2026 season, Florio envisions a scenario where McCarthy may seek a trade. McCarthy, who was selected as the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, could potentially request a move if the team commits to Darnold for a two-year period.
Florio’s insights shed light on the complexities of the Vikings’ quarterback situation, emphasizing the importance of strategic decision-making in the NFL landscape. While these speculations are based on informed opinions and discussions within the league, McCarthy’s stance on the matter remains undisclosed, leaving room for various potential outcomes.