NFL Offseason: Vikings decide against placing franchise tag on Sam Darnold
The saga involving the Vikings and Sam Darnold is finally closing one chapter, and we are heading towards a finale in this story. To let fans understand, we are now past The Two Towers in the Lord of the Rings movie trio and we are now entering The Return of the King territory. The latest chapter came to a close when an NFL insider announced when Vikings decision on whether to use the franchise tag on Sam Darnold.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported on Tuesday that the Vikings officially will not be placing the franchise tag on Sam Darnold. The veteran quarterback will become a free agent when the new league year opens on March 10. Meanwhile, the team and Darnold will continue to work towards a deal according to Rapoport.
The last part of his report indicates that the team wants to keep its bridge quarterback as it prepares for the J.J. McCarthy era.
There have been discussions that the team wants to pair a veteran with their future franchise centerpiece. Sam Darnold could likely earn a team-friendly deal such as the likes of Geno Smith or Baker Mayfield got with the Seahawks and Buccaneers respectively.
The team doesn't want to spend a lot, but they do know how much it could cost them to keep Darnold. Going to be an interesting six to eight days for every NFL fan now, not just those of the Vikings.
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