The Minnesota Vikings will not franchise tag quarterback Sam Darnold, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
However, the Vikings will continue to work toward a deal that's suitable for both parties, Rapoport adds. Darnold is slated to become a free agent.
Minnesota signed Darnold to a one-year contract last offseason, and he converted it into a breakout 2024 campaign. Darnold went 14-3 and threw for a career-high 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns. Despite the positive results, he struggled in his last two games, with the Vikings losing a Week 18 contest to the Detroit Lions and a wild-card matchup to the Los Angeles Rams.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said earlier this offseason that Darnold "earned the right to be a free agent," but the team would continue discussions with the quarterback about his future, per ESPN's Kevin Seifert.
If Darnold, who will be 28 when the 2025 season kicks off, doesn't return, J.J. McCarthy would likely take over as quarterback. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in last year's draft, missed all of his rookie season following meniscus surgery.
