BREAKING: Vikings officially Cut Ties With Another Top QB

The deadline has passed, and Sam Darnold was not franchise-tagged by the Minnesota Vikings. If tagged, he would have been locked into a one-year, $40.2 million deal, but that was never a practical option due to the strain it would have put on the team’s salary cap. While there was speculation that Minnesota could tag Darnold and trade him for a draft pick, that scenario proved too risky and ultimately didn’t materialize.

So, what’s next?

NFL insiders continue to suggest that the Vikings are interested in keeping Darnold. Ian Rapoport reported that both sides are still working toward a deal, while Jordan Schultz noted that discussions are ongoing for a short-term contract, with mutual interest in continuing the partnership after Darnold’s strong season.

However, I remain skeptical. Unless Darnold is willing to accept a significantly lower contract than his market value, it doesn’t seem logical for the Vikings to retain him. At 27, after a career-best season, why wouldn’t he seek a lucrative multi-year deal? The narrative being pushed by insiders could very well be a strategic move by Darnold’s camp or the Vikings to influence his market.

If no agreement is reached, Darnold will enter free agency next week. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has acknowledged that Darnold has “earned the right” to be one of the top free agents available. The NFL’s legal tampering period begins on Monday, March 10, allowing teams to negotiate deals ahead of free agency’s official start on Wednesday, March 12.

Last year, Kirk Cousins signed with the Falcons on the first day of free agency, highlighting how quickly things can unfold. With Darnold now the most significant quarterback available, his next move will be a key domino in the offseason market.