Sam Darnold Rumors: Vikings ‘Open’ to Contract; Franchise Tag ‘Not the Likeliest Path’

As the NFL offseason ramps up, quarterback Sam Darnold’s future remains a key talking point for many teams looking to strengthen their quarterback rooms. Among the teams reportedly showing interest in Darnold is the Minnesota Vikings. According to several sources, the Vikings are “open” to signing Darnold to a contract, but using the franchise tag on the quarterback is not the most likely course of action. With a rapidly changing quarterback landscape and the Vikings’ current need for stability at the position, Darnold could be an intriguing option for Minnesota as they prepare for the 2025 season.

In this article, we will explore the rumors surrounding Sam Darnold’s future with the Minnesota Vikings, the reasons the Vikings are reportedly interested in the former No. 3 overall pick, and what it would mean for the team’s 2025 roster construction and beyond.

Sam Darnold’s Career Journey So Far

To understand why the Minnesota Vikings might be interested in Sam Darnold, it’s important to look at the quarterback’s career trajectory up until this point. Darnold was drafted by the New York Jets as the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, amid great expectations. Coming out of USC, he was considered one of the most talented quarterbacks in his draft class, showcasing a strong arm, athleticism, and a promising skill set.

However, his time with the Jets was largely underwhelming. Darnold struggled with consistency and turnovers, frequently finding himself behind an unstable offensive line and an uninspiring coaching staff. Despite flashes of potential, Darnold was unable to lead the Jets to sustained success. After three seasons in New York, he was traded to the Carolina Panthers ahead of the 2021 season.

Darnold’s time with the Panthers was also filled with ups and downs. Early in the 2021 season, he showed signs of promise, including a 3-0 start to the campaign, but ultimately, his inconsistency reared its head again. He finished the season with 7 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, leading to questions about his future as a starting quarterback in the NFL.

After another disappointing year in 2022, Darnold’s tenure with the Panthers came to an end, and he found himself with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023. Under the tutelage of head coach Kyle Shanahan and playing in one of the NFL’s most quarterback-friendly systems, Darnold showed signs of improvement. He spent much of the season as a backup, but he was called upon at times to start, including in a few games during the regular season. His performance in those contests was solid, even if he didn’t light up the scoreboard. Darnold finished the 2023 campaign with a completion percentage of 59.6%, 14 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. While his numbers weren’t eye-popping, it was clear that he had potential, especially in the right system.

Darnold’s ability to perform within a structured and supportive environment in San Francisco is a key reason the Vikings are interested in him. Minnesota could be looking for a quarterback who can take the reins as a bridge option—someone who can hold the position down while they build the rest of the team and potentially develop a future franchise quarterback.

Why the Minnesota Vikings Could Be Interested in Sam Darnold

The Vikings’ quarterback situation in 2025 is one of uncertainty. Although veteran Kirk Cousins has provided stability and consistent play under center for the Vikings for several seasons, his future in Minnesota is far from guaranteed. With Cousins set to be a free agent in 2025, the Vikings have an important decision to make regarding his long-term future with the team.

The Vikings have been linked to several potential quarterback options, from using high draft picks to pursue a potential star to acquiring a veteran to provide competition. However, with their current roster—stacked with offensive talent such as Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and Dalvin Cook—the Vikings may be looking for a quarterback who can step in, make plays, and guide the team without necessarily needing to be a superstar in his own right.

Sam Darnold could be an ideal candidate to fill that role.

1. Familiarity with Kyle Shanahan’s System

One of the most intriguing reasons why the Vikings might be interested in Darnold is his experience in a system similar to what head coach Kevin O’Connell is building in Minnesota. O’Connell, who previously worked under Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams, has implemented a West Coast-style offense in Minnesota, which shares many similarities with Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme in San Francisco. Darnold had the opportunity to work with Shanahan and offensive coordinator Steve Wilks in 2023, so he is familiar with the types of plays and strategies that O’Connell is likely to run in Minnesota.

Darnold’s stint with the 49ers helped him learn how to operate in a well-coached offense with high-level talent around him. In Shanahan’s system, quarterbacks are often asked to make quick decisions, deliver the ball with precision, and keep the offense on schedule. The Vikings’ offensive scheme, while not identical to Shanahan’s, runs in a similar vein. This familiarity with the system could make Darnold a relatively smooth transition into the starting role, should the Vikings decide to sign him.

2. A Low-Risk, High-Reward Option

From a financial perspective, signing Sam Darnold could represent a low-risk, high-reward move for the Vikings. Darnold is unlikely to demand a massive contract given his up-and-down career, and he could be signed at a reasonable price as a backup or bridge quarterback. His cap hit in 2025 could be much more manageable than a long-term, high-profile signing like a top-tier free agent or a trade for a star quarterback.

If the Vikings sign Darnold to a short-term deal, he would offer them a potential stopgap while they evaluate their quarterback situation. If Darnold performs well, he could earn an extended role and potentially help lead the Vikings to success. If he struggles, the Vikings have the flexibility to move on after a season or two, with minimal financial repercussions.

3. Competition for the Starting Job

With Kirk Cousins’ future uncertain, the Vikings might be looking for competition for the starting role at quarterback. While Minnesota has other options, including developing young quarterbacks through the draft or pursuing a different veteran option, Darnold provides an intriguing middle ground.

A competition between Darnold and another quarterback would allow the Vikings to evaluate which player gives them the best chance to win games in 2025. Darnold’s familiarity with offensive schemes like O’Connell’s and his demonstrated growth in San Francisco make him an interesting piece in a potential quarterback competition. Given that the Vikings have other talented players around him, he wouldn’t be asked to be a superstar but could still make enough plays to keep the team competitive.

The Franchise Tag: Why It’s “Not the Likeliest Path”

Although the Minnesota Vikings are reportedly open to signing Sam Darnold, the use of the franchise tag is not viewed as the most likely option. This is largely because the franchise tag is typically reserved for players who have proven to be elite talents or have had standout seasons. For Darnold, while he has shown flashes of potential, he has yet to establish himself as a consistent, top-tier quarterback in the NFL.

Franchise tagging a quarterback would also be a substantial financial commitment. The cost of placing the tag on a quarterback in 2025 could exceed $30 million, which would be a considerable sum for a player who has yet to prove he can consistently perform at a high level. Additionally, the Vikings would likely prefer the flexibility of signing Darnold to a short-term deal rather than committing a massive amount of money to him upfront.

Another factor is the Vikings’ long-term strategy. If Minnesota is looking for a quarterback who can potentially be the future of the franchise, they might prefer to use their draft capital or resources to bring in a player with higher upside than Darnold. They could target a rookie quarterback in the 2025 draft or explore other options through trade or free agency. The use of the franchise tag would limit their flexibility in terms of both roster construction and future planning.