Darnold pointed toward free agency after Vikings pass on franchise tag with McCarthy waiting

Trending News

2 weeks, 1 day ago

Darnold pointed toward free agency after Vikings pass on franchise tag with McCarthy waiting

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings will likely let their starting quarterback set the NFL free agent market for a second straight offseason. The Vikings passed on the opportunity to place the franchise tag on Sam Darnold before the league’s deadline on Tuesday, maximizing their options for bolstering the roster and potentially making the first-time Pro Bowl pick available to every team when free agency opens next week. With the Vikings eyeing several areas for upgrades despite a 14-win season in 2024 and already developing a prized young quarterback in J.J. McCarthy, the salary cap space protected by their decision to let Darnold hit the market will go a long way toward their attempt to restock for another run at that elusive Super Bowl. This doesn’t mean Darnold is gone for sure, given his success under AP Coach of the Year award winner Kevin O’Connell that could make a return to Minnesota worth more than a higher salary elsewhere, but like Cousins a year ago it would have to be at a price that still allows the Vikings to enhance other positions. The Vikings have been busy weighing if it’s worth banking on continued progression by Darnold in a second season under O’Connell while McCarthy gets another to watch and learn after spending his rookie year on injured reserve in recovery from a torn meniscus in his right knee.

Season Quarterback Nfl Mccarthy Vikings Darnold Cousins Sam Franchise Tag nfl pointed quarterback pass waiting darnold season agency mccarthy franchise team oconnell salary vikings tag free sam

History of this topic

6 days, 2 hours ago

Every offseason signing and trade from the first week of NFL free agency

New York Times

The 2025 NFL league season has officially kicked off, and with the start came a flurry of free agent moves. Collier : One-year deal LB Akeem Davis-Gaither: Two-year, $11 million deal WR Zay Jones : One-year deal Edge Josh Sweat : Three-year, $76.4 million deal DL Dalvin Tomlinson : Two-year, $29 million deal LB Mykal Walker : One-year, $1.79 million …

1 week ago

Vikings bring in veteran Javon Hargrave in another big move to bolster their defensive front

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings made another major move on interior redesign, agreeing to terms Wednesday with two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Javon Hargrave on a two-year, $30 million contract with $19 million guaranteed, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores loves to play with a variety of unorthodox alignments and blitz calls, and a front that features …

Vikings focus up front in free agency by reaching deals with DT Jonathan Allen, G Will Fries

Trending News

1 week, 1 day ago

Vikings focus up front in free agency by reaching deals with DT Jonathan Allen, G Will Fries

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings continued an aggressive reconstruction of the interior lines on Tuesday by agreeing to terms on contracts with former Washington defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and former Indianapolis guard Will Fries, who followed center Ryan Kelly from the Colts to the Vikings. Because Allen was released last week for salary cap savings before the expiration of his …

1 week, 2 days ago

Deals for QBs Darnold and Fields, pass rushers Williams and Sweat highlight start of NFL free agency

Associated Press

The NFL champion Philadelphia Eagles are losing two of their defensive disruptors who pressured Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl. Defensive tackle Milton Williams agreed to a deal with New England worth $26 million annually and edge rusher Josh Sweat is heading to the Arizona Cardinals on a four-year, $76.4 million contract, people with knowledge of the terms told The …

1 week, 2 days ago

Vikings agree to deals with C Ryan Kelly, CB Isaiah Rodgers and bring back CB Byron Murphy

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms with center Ryan Kelly and cornerback Isaiah Rodgers after the NFL’s free agent negotiation window opened on Monday, targeting an accomplished veteran for their lagging interior offensive line and a young player with upside from the defending Super Bowl champions. The Vikings later announced an agreement to bring back Pro Bowl cornerback …

1 week, 3 days ago

NFL free agency grades 2025: The good, bad and ugly of key deals

New York Times

NFL free agency began with a flurry of deals Monday after a weekend in which a number of players with expiring contracts opted to re-sign with their 2024 teams. 8 Reported deal: Three years, $35 million Grade: B Greenlaw missed all but two games last season because of an Achilles tendon tear suffered in Super Bowl LVIII. 27 Reported deal: …

1 week, 3 days ago

Vikings re-sign Aaron Jones to 2-year, $20M contract after solid debut with former rival

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms on a two-year, $20 million contract with running back Aaron Jones on Sunday that prevents the popular veteran from reaching free agency after a solid debut with his former rival. The 30-year-old, who played seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers after being drafted in the fifth round out of Texas-El Paso …

1 week, 3 days ago

NFL free agency explained from salary cap and tampering to franchise and transition tags

Associated Press

The NFL’s free agency period opens Monday with a 52-hour legal tampering period ahead of the official start of the new league year on Wednesday. At 12 p.m. EDT on Monday, teams can start negotiating with players who will become unrestricted free agents when their contracts expire at the start of the new league year on 4 p.m. EDT on …

1 week, 4 days ago

NFL free agency primer: Sam Darnold to Seattle? Aaron Rodgers heading to Minnesota?

LA Times

If there’s such thing as a free-agent fantasy, we just saw it unfold. Rams Rams free agency needs: L.A. could target big-name receiver or cornerback With plenty of salary-cap space to work with, Rams general manager Les Snead could target free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs or Davante Adams to fill the Cooper Kupp void. The window for teams to begin …

1 week, 6 days ago

NFL 2025 daily trade tracker: Who was traded or signed contract extensions today? Full list

Hindustan Times

The NFL’s new league year kicks off on Wednesday, March 12, at 4 p.m. Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby responds to a question during an NFL football news conference Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Henderson, Nev. The deadline for applying the franchise tag has passed, with the Cincinnati Bengals securing star wide receiver Tee Higgins and the Kansas …

Only 2 NFL players get the franchise tag after the Vikings let Sam Darnold hit the market

Trending News

2 weeks, 1 day ago

Only 2 NFL players get the franchise tag after the Vikings let Sam Darnold hit the market

Associated Press

Dallas signed defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa before the franchise tag deadline Tuesday and Minnesota declined to give the tag to quarterback Sam Darnold, clearing the way for him to hit the open market next week. Only two players were given the tag for 2025 before Tuesday’s deadline with Cincinnati receiver Tee Higgins getting it on Monday and Kansas City guard …

1 month, 2 weeks ago

Sam Darnold’s free-agent options: Which teams make the most sense and why?

New York Times

Though Sam Darnold’s final two performances of the season revealed some weaknesses in his game, the Minnesota Vikings quarterback will be coveted this offseason. It’s a move that might make sense if Minnesota prefers to recoup draft capital in the present — and if another team wants to keep Darnold from reaching the open market. 📰: https://t.co/wJuAf8qkyB pic.twitter.com/eV1izN9EKX — Minnesota …

1 month, 3 weeks ago

Vikings free-agent targets: 10 offensive linemen and defenders who’d make sense

New York Times

It’s early in the offseason, but the Minnesota Vikings brass is thinking about ways to reshape the team. GO DEEPER Why Trey Smith's dream NFL career with the Chiefs almost never happened Drew Dalman, C, Falcons Let’s first note that current Vikings center Garrett Bradbury remains under contract for 2025. Will Fries, G, Colts Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah often …

1 month, 3 weeks ago

Vikings and coach Kevin O’Connell agree to a multiyear contract extension after a 14-win season

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings and coach Kevin O’Connell agreed to terms on a multiyear contract extension on Tuesday, following a 14-3 regular season that defied external widespread preseason projections of at least a losing record if not a last-place finish in the NFC North. “It is an absolute honor to continue leading the Minnesota Vikings,” O’Connell said in a …

2 months ago

On Football: Sam Darnold should have plenty of options if the Vikings don’t keep him

Associated Press

Sam Darnold’s shaky finish shouldn’t ruin his impressive season or impact his future. Despite his struggles in Minnesota’s final two games, including a 27-9 loss to the Rams in a wild-card playoff, Darnold should have plenty of options in March if he hits the open market. Darnold also became the fourth player in NFL history with 12 games with multiple …

2 months ago

Vikings face more QB questions with Darnold’s expiring contract and McCarthy’s knee recovery

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have entered yet another offseason with significant questions around their quarterback depth chart, an unsettledness that was supposed to be calmed last year when they drafted J.J. McCarthy. In separate season-ending news conferences Thursday, neither general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah nor head coach Kevin O’Connell would speak in anything but vague generalities on the subject …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Russini’s what I’m hearing: Vikings want Darnold back in 2025, Watson’s new deal, Brady’s big role

New York Times

Anyone else losing track of what day it is? • “The ‘perfect play’ might be in your playbook, but in real time …” A question every owner needs to ask head-coaching candidates. • “Has Tom ever done anything on a small scale?” How Brady will shape the Raiders’ future. A Giant decision yet to be made New York Giants co-owners …

3 months ago

Where will Sam Darnold play next? A Kirk Cousins trade? Setting stage for 2025 QB carousel

New York Times

There aren’t many ideal times to be desperate for a franchise quarterback, but the upcoming offseason is shaping up to be trickier than most in that regard. 1 pick in 2015 gave the Cleveland Browns a desperately needed jolt of positivity during another lost season with Deshaun Watson, although Winston’s standing is more tenuous after getting benched for Dorian Thompson-Robinson. …

5 months, 1 week ago

Vikings' Free Agents Shine in London Win, Showing NFL's Undying Spirit

Associated Press

The article highlights the importance of free agency in the success of the Minnesota Vikings. It focuses on the acquisition of several promising young players through the draft and free agency, including Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and Sam Darnold. The article emphasizes the team's ability to build a strong defense through strategic free agent acquisitions, which has contributed to …

6 months, 1 week ago

Darnold’s home debut with Vikings comes vs. 49ers team he was enlightened with last year as a backup

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Sam Darnold enjoyed a valuable reset last season of a sputtering NFL career painted by the unfulfilled expectations of a quarterback from a prestigious college program drafted third overall. “When you’re at quarterback, I feel like a lot of times you can feel everything kind of collapsing on you, not just in the game, but theoretically, like, as …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings-Giants pits Darnold vs. Jones to open another prove-it season for once-heralded QBs

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones were swiftly dumped into the deep end of NFL debuts, shouldering heavy pressure as young quarterback in the country’s largest media market. If you start worrying about the wrong things, it’ll come back to bite you.” Jones was the sixth overall pick by the Giants in 2019 out of Duke as the successor …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Can Vikings QB Sam Darnold finally find recipe for NFL success after years of dysfunction?

New York Times

The crowd was roaring like it’d just seen a knockout in a heavyweight fight. “Even the highly drafted guys need the perfect cocktail a lot of times for them to shine,” said former Jets center Jonotthan Harrison, “and very few of them get a sip of it.” GO DEEPER Why Sam Darnold is a vital piece of the Vikings’ draft …

7 months ago

Analysis: J.J. McCarthy’s injury will have minimal impact this year if Sam Darnold performs well

Associated Press

On Football analyzes the biggest topics in the NFL from week to week. ___ J.J. McCarthy’s season-ending knee injury is a major blow for the rookie quarterback and the Minnesota Vikings. Still, it’ll have minimal impact this year if Sam Darnold performs well. Darnold was slated to be the starting QB in Week 1 and there’s no guarantee he would’ve …

7 months ago

Vikings rookie J.J. McCarthy out for season after successful meniscus surgery on right knee

New York Times

Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy was ruled out for the season after having successful surgery on the meniscus in his right knee, coach Kevin O’Connell announced Wednesday. “It did reveal that a repair was necessary, which will end J.J.’s 2024 season.” The Vikings selected McCarthy out of Michigan with the No. Sam Darnold, who is entering his seventh season …

7 months, 1 week ago

Vikings QB McCarthy held out of practice with soreness in right knee after promising preseason debut

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy reported soreness in his right knee and was held out of practice on Monday night to undergo further examination. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said the team didn’t have reason to believe McCarthy was experiencing any problem beyond routine soreness, but O’Connell said he wasn’t sure yet whether McCarthy would travel this week …

7 months, 1 week ago

Vikings ownership says patience with McCarthy will be prioritized, as rookie QB develops

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — When the Minnesota Vikings became the proud owners of a rookie quarterback by drafting J.J. McCarthy in the first round, their potential road to a Super Bowl came into focus — starting with speed bumps. We’re trying to build for the long term.” McCarthy, the 10th overall pick from national champion Michigan, has had his share of …

7 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings stick to process with McCarthy, as Darnold’s presence keeps pressure off rookie QB

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The expectations and scrutiny that hound NFL quarterbacks drafted at the top of the first round is mere background noise for J.J. McCarthy in his first training camp with the Minnesota Vikings. “But also, it’s about the quality and the volume of those reps throughout camp to really continue to holistically attack this quarterback development program and …

9 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings reach agreement with Jefferson on 4-year extension to give him NFL’s richest non-QB contract

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Justin Jefferson became the latest player to cash in on the league-wide push for elite pass catchers. “There’s more to be done.” Jefferson, who has the most receiving yards in league history through a player’s first four seasons, had entered the final year of his rookie deal. “He is the living embodiment of our culture with his joyful …

10 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings post-NFL Draft depth chart: Sam Darnold at QB, defensive improvements aplenty

New York Times

The NFL Draft is over, and the Minnesota Vikings’ summer schedule is heating up. Here is our full breakdown: Quarterbacks Starter: Sam Darnold On the roster: J.J. McCarthy, Nick Mullens Out: Jaren Hall The Vikings do not want to rush McCarthy’s development. Wide receivers Starters: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison On the roster: Brandon Powell, Trent Sherfield, Jalen Nailor Out: Trishton …

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Vikings trade up twice in NFL draft. They take Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy, Alabama edge Dallas Turner

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings traded up twice in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night, jumping one spot to No. “Obviously I’m a spreadsheet-calculator guy myself, but sometimes you’ve got to step out from there, take your Clark Kent glasses off and just have a championship mindset and swing for a great player.” The departure …

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Why J.J. McCarthy (and those close to him) saw the Vikings as ‘dream scenario’ in draft

New York Times

He escaped to the golf course. GO DEEPER How hockey helped make J.J. McCarthy one of NFL Draft's most intriguing prospects “It was almost a dream scenario for him,” Campbell said. He referenced a pre-draft Zoom call with McCarthy, who asked him directly: “Is there a reason you wouldn’t draft me?” “Honestly, from a talent standpoint, no,” Adofo-Mensah said. Because …

11 months ago

Vikings have the 11th and 23rd picks in the NFL draft and a need for a QB. Can they get their guy?

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The NFL draft is not so much a marathon weekend as it is a season of speculation and subterfuge, a made-for-TV mystery unfolding team by team across the league. “It’s something that is hard to grasp, but if you grasp it, you know what the rewards are, right?” With Penix and Nix widely considered to be in …

1 year ago

Kirk Cousins’ departure shifts Vikings’ team-building plan into new phase

New York Times

Last spring, the NFC coaches filled a ballroom inside the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. “If you are building a roster around one of those quarterbacks,” O’Connell said, “a quarterback who is resetting the market, as we’ve seen some of these guys do coming out of their rookie first four years, you’re probably in a good position.” O’Connell did not invoke the …

1 year ago

Vikings agree to deals with ex-rival RB Aaron Jones and QB Sam Darnold as initial sub for Cousins

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings have their bridge quarterback for the post-Kirk Cousins era and a new ball-carrier who ought to add yet more fuel to their fiercest rivalry. The Vikings stayed aggressive in free agency Tuesday by adding former Green Bay running back Aaron Jones and 2018 third overall draft pick Sam Darnold as a temporary replacement for Cousins. …

1 year ago

Kirk Cousins, Chris Jones, Saquon Barkley are among the star players set to test NFL free agency

Associated Press

Kirk Cousins will be a free agent for the first time since the Vikings gave him the first fully-guaranteed quarterback deal in the NFL. All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones heads a list that includes fellow defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, edge rushers Danielle Hunter, Chase Young and Jonathan Greenard, safeties Justin Simmons and Xavier McKinney, cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Tre’Davious White, …

1 year ago

Some of the biggest deals in NFL free agency could actually be re-signings

Associated Press

Chris Jones won’t have to wait so long to cash in this year. The Kansas City Chiefs’ star defensive tackle will be among the headliners when free agency opens next week and he could eclipse Aaron Donald’s three-year, $96 million deal that made Donald the league’s highest-paid defensive tackle. “We can’t do that every year,” said Broncos general manager George …

1 year ago

Where could Vikings turn at QB if Kirk Cousins leaves? Russell Wilson, Sam Darnold and more

New York Times

If news surfaces next week that quarterback Kirk Cousins has signed with the Atlanta Falcons, it’ll be easy to point to the one comment that foreshadowed all of this. GO DEEPER Vikings’ Kirk Cousins negotiation is test of discipline in front office's long-term vision The Vikings have until next week to secure Cousins before his contract voids and his $28.5 …

1 year ago

Last year’s free agent frenzy offers both hope and caution for NFL teams

Associated Press

NFL teams are set to dole out billions in free agent contracts in the coming weeks as teams around the league hope that bold moves in March will pay off with wins on the field once the season starts. The six biggest spenders last offseason all missed the postseason led by Denver committing more than $250 million in contracts only …

1 year ago

What’s the Vikings’ plan? 5 thoughts ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine

New York Times

The Athletic has live coverage of the NFL combine. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell are attending the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Adofo-Mensah, O’Connell and Cousins’ agent, Mike McCartney, are likely to converse this week before the crucial March 12 void on the 35-year-old quarterback’s contract. A couple of months later, in Arizona at the NFL league …

1 year, 2 months ago

Vikings’ offseason decisions will show deftness of GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s leadership

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — It was the first question Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was ever asked publicly as the general manager of the Minnesota Vikings. “I can’t run from that in any kind of way.” GO DEEPER Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's draft results under microscope as Vikings approach pivotal offseason A challenge we're ready to embrace. “Right now, in the competitive rebuild, we want to …

1 year, 4 months ago

Who can the Vikings get to replace Kirk Cousins at quarterback? 7 potential options

New York Times

Considering what’s next for the Minnesota Vikings is a disorienting undertaking. Following quarterback Kirk Cousins’ torn right Achilles tendon, which was confirmed Monday by the team and is expected to cost him the rest of the 2023 season, there are a considerable number of questions. “We’ll talk internally, getting a lot of opinions and thoughts on where we’re at.” GO …

1 year, 5 months ago

Vikings newcomer Risner regrets taking so long to sign. They could use a quick study

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — Dalton Risner spent six months as a free agent, until he finally signed this week with Minnesota. “I think that I was holding my worth earlier in the process, and maybe I should’ve called teams earlier and said, ‘Hey, I’ll take less than what you guys actually think,’” Risner said, rattling off a list of potential contributing …

1 year, 11 months ago

NFL free-agency grades: The good, bad and ugly of every major agreement

New York Times

NFL free-agency negotiations between teams and player reps began at noon ET on Monday, and it didn’t take long for news to break about contract agreements. Grade: C March 20 Texans to sign TE Dalton Schultz Continuing to set the table for what is likely one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s draft, the Texans agreed to a reported …

2 years ago

AP source: Vikings convert Cousins bonus, clear $16M off cap

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings cleared the necessary space from their salary cap the day before the start of free agency, with a big boost from a contract restructure for quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Vikings also reached agreements to bring back center Garrett Bradbury, long snapper Andrew DePaola, kicker Greg Joseph and backup quarterback Nick Mullens, before they were due …

2 years ago

49ers bolster QB room with Sam Darnold, whom they’ve had an eye on for years

New York Times

The 49ers have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with quarterback Sam Darnold, according to team and league sources. Best remaining available: The Athletic’s top 150 free agents Live updates: News, predictions, analysis and updates Free agency grades: The Athletic’s Mike Jones grades all the signings Does free agency work? GO DEEPER 49ers, QB Sam Darnold agree to 1-year …

2 years ago

49ers, QB Sam Darnold agree to 1-year deal, per sources: How he fits with San Francisco

New York Times

By Matt Barrows, David Lombardi and Jeff Howe The San Francisco 49ers and quarterback Sam Darnold have agreed to terms on a one-year deal, team and league sources confirmed to The Athletic. At the very least Darnold’s addition bolsters the 49ers’ depth at their most important position, a major issue last season when they literally ran out of healthy quarterbacks …

2 years ago

Vikings hit free agency with need at CB, salary cap strapped

Associated Press

MINNESOTA VIKINGS UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DE Dalvin Tomlinson, CB Patrick Peterson, C Garrett Bradbury, RB Alexander Mattison, K Greg Joseph, CB Duke Shelley, TE Irv Smith Jr., CB Chandon Sullivan, LS Andrew DePaola, OT Oli Udoh, DE Jonathan Bullard, QB Nick Mullens, CB Kris Boyd, C/G Austin Schlottman, WR Olabisi Johnson. NEEDS: The Vikings are mired in a salary cap …

2 years ago

Burrow, Herbert, Hurts poised to sign major extensions, but what will deals look like?

New York Times

INDIANAPOLIS — The check’s on the table for the 2020 quarterback class. Based on projections from Over The Cap, Burrow and Herbert are in line for fifth-year options worth $29.504 million, while Tagovailoa’s will be worth $23.171 million. If roughly 65 percent of the contracts are guaranteed — a fair approximation for all deals outside of Deshaun Watson’s unique and …

2 years, 11 months ago

Rise of the receivers: How WRs’ new leverage is impacting roster-building strategies

New York Times

As the pendulum swings toward the wide receivers’ favor, some of the NFL’s biggest stars have worked to maximize their market leverage. But as the first executive pointed out, the question isn’t as simple as, “Is the receiver that good?” ‘Why would I ever want to let those guys go?’ It’s been debated whether a team can build a championship …

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3 days, 2 hours ago

NFL free agency 2025 winners and losers: Sam Darnold flying high; 49ers roster takes a hit

New York Times

NFL free agency 2025 will not rank among the most memorable in league history. And while the full picture of the biggest winners and losers of free agency won’t be complete until the quarterback carousel stops spinning, here’s how things look after the first week. But whoever lines up under center will benefit from a markedly improved offensive line than …

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3 days, 23 hours ago