The Minnesota Vikings’ Pursuit of Sam Darnold
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Minnesota Vikings are in the midst of a dramatic chase to bring back quarterback Sam Darnold. Despite the team being unlikely to use the franchise tag on Darnold, they are actively working to secure a deal before the impending deadline. This unexpected move comes as the Vikings have high hopes for J.J. McCarthy, a promising young quarterback who showed potential during his rookie year.
Rapoport highlighted the Vikings’ interest in Darnold, stating that they are eager to have him return to the team. With free agency looming, teams will soon have the chance to make offers to Darnold, but the Vikings are aiming to preempt this by negotiating a deal with the quarterback. The potential contract is speculated to be less than the $40 million that the franchise tag would entail, indicating the team’s commitment to securing Darnold for the upcoming season.
The situation raises questions about the Vikings’ intentions regarding Darnold. Are they considering a multi-year extension for the quarterback? Given Darnold’s value in the free-agent market, it seems unlikely that he would settle for a one-year deal. The possibility of a longer-term contract with the Vikings adds an intriguing twist to the ongoing negotiations.