The Minnesota Vikings are looking to bring back quarterback Sam Darnold but will not apply the franchise tag to retain him, multiple media outlets reported Monday.
With the NFL’s franchise tag deadline set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, the Vikings opted against guaranteeing Darnold a $40.2 million salary for the upcoming season. However, discussions between the team and the 27-year-old quarterback remain ongoing as they work toward a potential contract agreement.
Darnold joined Minnesota last offseason on a one-year deal and was expected to serve as a bridge quarterback, particularly after the team drafted J.J. McCarthy in the first round. However, McCarthy’s season-ending right knee injury in training camp elevated Darnold to the starting role, where he exceeded expectations.
Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 record, completing 66.2% of his passes for a career-high 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns. He threw 12 interceptions and helped Minnesota secure a playoff berth, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and finishing 10th in MVP voting. The Vikings’ postseason run ended with a 27-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the first round.
Originally drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, Darnold struggled early in his career, going 13-25 as a starter in three seasons. He later played for the Carolina Panthers, compiling an 8-9 record across 2021 and 2022, before serving as a backup for the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.
Darnold holds a 35-38 record as an NFL starter, with 16,383 career passing yards, 98 touchdowns, and 68 interceptions in 83 games. His standout performance in Minnesota has positioned him as a viable long-term option, and negotiations with the Vikings are expected to continue.
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