Not even a 14-win season, or ranking in the top five in passing touchdowns and passer rating was good enough for the Minnesota Vikings to place the franchise tag on Sam Darnold. The soon-to-be 28-year-old quarterback is coming off a career year, earning his first Pro Bowl appearance, yet still, no franchise tag.
Of course, the Vikings are reportedly still trying to re-sign Darnold, it just won’t be for the same $40.2 million amount the franchise tag would have resulted in. However, if the Vikings don’t retain Darnold, they’ll need another quarterback who can either backup or compete with J.J. McCarthy. Their Darnold replacement could be nearby.
Related: 5 top Jonathan Allen trade landing spots this offseason
Minnesota Vikings predicted to re-sign Daniel Jones
Last offseason, the Minnesota Vikings got an absolute bargain, signing Sam Darnold to a one-year, $10 million contract. They could be looking to take a similar approach this offseason, taking a chance on a buy-low, high reward player who has yet to reach his full potential.
The perfect candidate was already on the roster late last year, when Daniel Jones joined the organization following his requested release from the New York Giants. Signed to a four-year, $160 million contract extension after leading the Giants to a Wild Card playoff win over the Vikings, Jones tore his ACL the next season and never regained his top form.
As noted, if Darnold leaves, the Vikings will need a capable replacement. Recently, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer predicted Jones to return to the Vikings, where he’d get to backup J.J. McCarthy in a high-powered offense featuring reigning NFL Coach of the Year Kevin O’Connell calling the shots.