The Vikings must decide whether to tag, trade, or let Sam Darnold walk.

The Minnesota Vikings face an important decision in the coming months regarding quarterback Sam Darnold, who has spent time with the team since joining in 2024. The franchise must determine whether to use the franchise tag, trade him for assets, or allow him to walk in free agency. This decision is crucial as it will shape the team’s future at the quarterback position and impact their overall plans for the 2025 NFL season. With Darnold set to enter the offseason with his current contract expiring, the Vikings must weigh several factors as they chart their course.

Background on Sam Darnold’s Vikings Tenure

Sam Darnold’s time in Minnesota has been a story of highs and lows, making his future with the franchise uncertain. After being traded to the Vikings from the Carolina Panthers in 2024, Darnold entered a quarterback room that featured veteran Kirk Cousins and backup Nick Mullens. Darnold, who was once considered a top prospect after being selected third overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft, was hoping for a fresh start after struggling to live up to expectations with both the Jets and Panthers.

Darnold showed flashes of potential in his first year with the Vikings, but his performance was inconsistent. He appeared in several games due to injuries to Cousins and Mullens, displaying both his raw talent and his penchant for turning the ball over. Throughout the season, Darnold displayed an ability to make some big throws but struggled with accuracy and decision-making at times, which has become a pattern throughout his career.

Given that Darnold is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2024 season, the Vikings have a few key considerations in determining how to proceed with him. Will Darnold be a part of their long-term plans? Can they build around him, or will his mistakes keep them from being able to compete for a championship? These questions are weighing heavily on the front office and coaching staff as they prepare for the next phase of the Vikings’ development.

Option 1: Use the Franchise Tag

One option for the Vikings is to apply the franchise tag to Sam Darnold. The franchise tag would allow the team to retain Darnold for one more season at a high price, ensuring that he is not able to sign with another team in free agency. This would give the Vikings the opportunity to evaluate Darnold for another year and see if he can develop into a more consistent starting quarterback, potentially buying the team time as they continue to search for their long-term solution at the position.

The franchise tag for quarterbacks in 2025 is expected to be quite high, likely exceeding $30 million, depending on the salary cap and the market. This would make Darnold one of the highest-paid quarterbacks for the season, but it also provides Minnesota with more leverage in the short term. If Darnold performs well, the Vikings could consider negotiating a long-term extension. If he struggles again, they can cut ties with him after just one season under the tag and turn their attention to other options in the draft or through a trade.

The main downside of using the franchise tag on Darnold is the financial burden it would place on the team. With the Vikings needing to build around their offense and defense, dedicating such a large portion of their salary cap to a quarterback with an uncertain future may not be the wisest course of action. Furthermore, if Darnold does not show significant improvement in 2025, the Vikings would have to move on and find another quarterback anyway, making the franchise tag a costly, temporary solution.

Option 2: Trade Sam Darnold

Another option the Vikings are likely to consider is trading Sam Darnold to a team in need of a quarterback. If Minnesota does not view Darnold as part of their future but still believes he has value, a trade could allow them to acquire draft picks or other assets to help improve their team for the 2025 season and beyond.

Several teams across the NFL could be interested in trading for a quarterback like Darnold, especially if they are in need of a short-term solution while developing a younger player or if they believe Darnold could thrive with a new system. A team like the Tennessee Titans, who are in transition after moving on from Ryan Tannehill, might see Darnold as a potential stopgap while they develop a new quarterback. Similarly, teams like the Las Vegas Raiders or Indianapolis Colts, who are unsure about their current quarterback situations, could take a flyer on Darnold if they feel he could provide some stability.

Minnesota would likely seek a mid-round draft pick or possibly even a player in return for Darnold, depending on what the market looks like in the offseason. The Vikings could then use those assets to bolster their roster, particularly on defense, as the team looks to make a deeper playoff run in 2025. A trade would give the Vikings more flexibility than the franchise tag, as it would allow them to free up salary cap space and avoid committing long-term to a quarterback who may not be their answer.

However, trading Darnold comes with risks. His trade value is difficult to gauge due to his inconsistent play over the past several seasons. Some teams might be hesitant to give up draft capital for a quarterback with such an up-and-down career. Additionally, if Darnold is traded, the Vikings would have to address their quarterback situation immediately, either by finding a new starter in the draft or through free agency. While there are promising quarterbacks in the 2025 draft class, the team might not be in a position to secure a top-tier prospect, leaving them vulnerable at the most important position on the field.

Option 3: Let Sam Darnold Walk

The third option is to simply allow Sam Darnold to walk in free agency. This would be the cleanest break for both the Vikings and Darnold, as it would allow the team to move forward without any lingering questions about the quarterback position. It would also free up cap space for Minnesota to pursue other needs, including potentially signing a new quarterback.

Letting Darnold walk would open up the possibility for the Vikings to explore their quarterback options in the 2025 offseason, whether it be through the draft or free agency. There are several intriguing quarterbacks expected to be available, such as Kirk Cousins (if the Vikings decide to move on from him), Baker Mayfield, or even Jimmy Garoppolo, who may provide more stability and upside than Darnold. The team could also look to the draft for their future quarterback, selecting someone who has a higher ceiling and more potential than Darnold.

However, allowing Darnold to walk is not without risks. If the Vikings are unable to land a suitable quarterback in the offseason, they could find themselves in a difficult position heading into the 2025 season. Having a solid backup plan would be essential if Minnesota decides to part ways with Darnold. Additionally, the Vikings would have to manage the potential loss of any trade value by letting him walk for nothing.

Long-Term Considerations for the Vikings

The decision to tag, trade, or let Darnold walk should not be made in a vacuum. It’s critical for the Vikings to assess their long-term plans and quarterback strategy. If they decide to move forward with Darnold in 2025, they need to commit to developing him, providing him with the right system and coaching to succeed. If they believe his best days are behind him, they must prioritize finding a new quarterback to lead the franchise into the future.

Minnesota’s front office must also look at the bigger picture. The team has an outstanding group of skill players, including Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook, and Adam Thielen, and a strong defense. If the Vikings are able to stabilize their quarterback situation, they could very well be contenders in the NFC, but that hinges on finding the right player under center. Whether that is Darnold, a new addition via trade or free agency, or a rookie quarterback, the decision on Darnold will be a crucial one in shaping Minnesota’s future.