The Minnesota Vikings have three potential franchise tag candidates: Kirk Cousins, Danielle Hunter, and Justin Jefferson, bolstering key positions.

The Minnesota Vikings are heading into a crucial offseason in 2025, with several key decisions to make regarding their roster and salary cap. Among the most important decisions is whether to utilize the franchise tag on any of their key players. The franchise tag, a tool that allows teams to retain a player for one year at a designated salary, has become an increasingly important tool for teams as they navigate the complexities of the NFL salary cap.

For the Minnesota Vikings, there are a few players whose contracts are set to expire or who are in the midst of negotiations, making them strong candidates for the franchise tag. These players represent critical positions on the team, and their potential return on the franchise tag could have a huge impact on the Vikings’ success in 2025 and beyond.

The three most likely candidates for the franchise tag for the Vikings are quarterback Kirk Cousins, defensive end Danielle Hunter, and wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Each of these players plays a significant role in the team’s plans and would have a major impact on the Vikings’ roster moving forward. Let’s break down why each of these players could be a prime candidate for the franchise tag in 2025.

Kirk Cousins: The Franchise Quarterback

Kirk Cousins has been the Minnesota Vikings’ starting quarterback since 2018 and has proven to be a reliable, if not flashy, option under center. While he’s never been able to lead the team to a Super Bowl victory, Cousins has been consistently solid and has put up strong individual performances throughout his tenure in Minnesota. His ability to throw for over 4,000 yards in nearly every season has kept the Vikings competitive.

As of the 2025 offseason, Cousins will be nearing the end of his current contract, and there’s uncertainty about the long-term future of the quarterback position in Minnesota. The Vikings could look to extend Cousins or draft a quarterback for the future, but one option they might consider is tagging Cousins for another season to provide stability under center while they evaluate their future plans.

The franchise tag for a quarterback is typically one of the most expensive designations on the market. However, the Vikings may view it as the best short-term solution given the quarterback’s familiarity with the system and his ability to lead the team. If Cousins were tagged, it would give the Vikings a year to either extend him or pursue a quarterback of the future, all while ensuring the team doesn’t have to worry about the quarterback position in 2025.

However, the Vikings would need to weigh several factors in making this decision. Cousins will be turning 36 years old in 2025, and the Vikings need to think about his long-term viability. While Cousins has been durable and productive throughout his career, he is not getting any younger. With the franchise tag, Minnesota would secure one more year with Cousins, allowing the team to assess the quarterback situation moving forward.

Danielle Hunter: The Star Pass Rusher

Defensive end Danielle Hunter has been one of the most impactful players on the Vikings’ defense since he was drafted in 2015. Hunter has been one of the league’s top pass rushers throughout his career, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and a reputation as one of the most disruptive defensive players in the NFL. In fact, in 2023, Hunter posted 12 sacks and continued to showcase his game-changing abilities on the edge.

However, Hunter is entering the final year of his current contract, and after several seasons where his contract negotiations have been an issue, there is a real chance that the Vikings will need to decide whether to use the franchise tag to keep him in Minnesota.

The franchise tag for a pass rusher is always a considerable investment, but Hunter’s production on the field warrants that type of commitment. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback is something the Vikings cannot afford to lose. The team’s defense revolves around its ability to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and Hunter is a cornerstone of that effort.

One challenge the Vikings face in extending or retaining Hunter beyond 2025 is his desire for a significant payday. Hunter’s contract has been a point of contention for several years, and he’s expressed frustration over his compensation. While the franchise tag would guarantee Hunter a one-year deal worth a significant amount of money, it would also provide the Vikings with time to determine whether they want to work out a long-term deal or move in a different direction.

Using the franchise tag on Hunter may also be a strategic move by the Vikings to keep their top pass rusher in the fold while exploring other options, such as drafting or signing additional defensive help in the offseason. The Vikings know that their defense relies on players like Hunter to disrupt the quarterback, so tagging him could be the best option to ensure they don’t lose one of their most valuable assets.

Justin Jefferson: The Superstar Wide Receiver

Perhaps the most obvious candidate for the franchise tag in 2025 is wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who has rapidly become one of the best players in the NFL. Jefferson, who was drafted by the Vikings in the 2020 NFL Draft, has exploded onto the scene as a dynamic and game-changing wide receiver. His combination of size, speed, and route-running ability has made him one of the top wideouts in the league, and he’s already one of the most productive players in Vikings history.

Jefferson’s potential for a record-breaking career makes him an essential piece of the Vikings’ future. He has the ability to completely change the offense with his playmaking ability, and the Vikings know that they can’t afford to lose him. However, Jefferson will be entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, and negotiations for a long-term extension could be difficult given his expected market value.

Given Jefferson’s tremendous value to the Vikings, it would not be surprising if the team used the franchise tag on him. The wide receiver franchise tag is a significant investment, but it would guarantee that Jefferson remains with the team for at least one more year while the Vikings negotiate a long-term deal. A franchise tag for Jefferson would also allow the Vikings to continue building their offense around him, keeping him in the fold while they plan for the future.

There is also the possibility that Jefferson could hold out for a long-term extension, but the franchise tag would provide the Vikings with leverage in those negotiations. The team could use the tag to keep Jefferson happy while they iron out the details of his contract. With the rise of player empowerment and the significant paydays being offered to top-tier wide receivers, it’s possible that Jefferson will want to test the waters of free agency. But for now, the franchise tag could offer a short-term solution that keeps the superstar receiver in Minnesota for at least one more season.