The Minnesota Vikings were rumored to consider using the franchise tag on quarterback Sam Darnold due to uncertainty over 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy’s recovery from meniscus surgery last summer.
However, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, head coach Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings’ staff are confident in McCarthy as their QB1 heading into offseason workouts.
“One team source even mentioned that McCarthy’s weight, which had dropped during recovery, is back over 200 pounds. The Vikings kept him involved in game plan meetings all season and would have no hesitation starting him in 2025,” Lewis reported.
Unless Darnold reaches a new deal with Minnesota or is franchise-tagged, he’ll be free to negotiate with other teams when free agency opens on March 10. While GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah hasn’t ruled out tagging Darnold, multiple insiders expect the 27-year-old to hit the open market.
“This week at the combine will give the Vikings their first sense of Darnold’s market,” Lewis noted. “If another team values him close to Baker Mayfield’s $33M per year deal with Tampa Bay, Minnesota will either tag him for draft compensation or let him walk.”
With the franchise tag deadline set for March 4 at 4 p.m. ET, it appears unlikely the Vikings will commit long-term to Darnold given their confidence in McCarthy.
ESPN’s Seth Walder predicted that the Pittsburgh Steelers could be Darnold’s top landing spot due to their strong defense, winning culture under Mike Tomlin, and lack of a high draft pick to secure a top rookie QB.
Meanwhile, Adofo-Mensah reaffirmed the Vikings’ belief in McCarthy, stating, “He’s been everything we want him to be, and we’re excited about his future.” That future likely won’t include another season alongside Darnold.
