Reports: Vikings interested in keeping Sam Darnold but unlikely to tag him - NBC Sports

As the NFL season inches towards its next cycle, the Minnesota Vikings face important decisions concerning their roster. One of the most captivating topics is the future of quarterback Sam Darnold. Reports suggest that the Vikings have shown interest in retaining Darnold, however, it seems highly unlikely that they will use a franchise or transition tag on him. With the deadline for teams to designate these tags set for 4 p.m. Tuesday, the clock is ticking on a significant choice that could shape the Vikings' future.

Reports swirling around the NFL indicate that the Minnesota Vikings have developed a keen interest in retaining the services of quarterback Sam Darnold. The 24-year-old quarterback, who is set to become a free agent in the 2022 season, has been a pivotal figure in the Vikings' offense since his arrival from the New York Jets. Darnold's skill set and potential have not gone unnoticed by the Vikings' management, sparking rumors of a possible contract extension.

Despite the interest in keeping Darnold, the Vikings are unlikely to use the franchise or transition tags on him. The deadline for teams to designate these tags is 4 p.m. Tuesday. These tags are often used by teams to retain key players for an additional year, usually at a high cost. However, the Vikings, grappling with salary cap issues, seem to be exploring other avenues.

Although Darnold has had his fair share of struggles on the field, he's shown flashes of brilliance that could make him a valuable asset for the Vikings. His athletic prowess, coupled with his youthful vigor, make him a potential long-term investment for the team. However, the financial implications of retaining Darnold are a significant hurdle to overcome. The team must balance the desire to keep a promising player with the realities of a tight budget.

As the deadline for teams to designate their franchise or transition players approaches, the question remains whether the Vikings will exercise their franchise tag rights on Darnold. The franchise tag, a one-year contract that pays a player no less than the average of the top five salaries at the player's position, or 120% of the player's previous salary, whichever is greater, is a tool teams can use to retain key players. However, it is a costly maneuver that, if used imprudently, can strain a team's salary cap for the upcoming season.

The decision on whether to apply the franchise tag is a complex one. It considers not only the player's performance and potential, but also the team's financial situation and other personnel needs. While Darnold has shown promise as a quarterback, the Vikings may not view him as indispensable enough to warrant the cost of the franchise tag. The team may instead decide to negotiate a contract extension with Darnold at a lower price, allowing them to allocate more resources to other areas of need.

Reports suggest that the Vikings are interested in keeping Darnold, but it appears unlikely they will use their franchise tag on him. This does not necessarily mean that Darnold will be leaving Minnesota, but it does indicate that the team is likely to seek a more cost-effective solution. The Vikings have a history of being financially prudent, and using the franchise tag on Darnold would not align with this approach.

With the deadline looming, the Vikings will have to make a decision soon. The outcome will not only affect Darnold's future with the team, but could also have significant implications for the Vikings' roster and salary cap situation heading into the next season.

Many industry experts are weighing in on the Viking's strategy and Darnold's potential. According to Charles Davis, a senior analyst for the NFL Network, "The Vikings' interest in keeping Darnold is understandable. Despite his inconsistent performance, Darnold has shown flashes of brilliance that suggest he could be a key asset for the team. However, the decision not to tag him indicates the Vikings may be looking at other options or negotiating a more flexible contract."

Davis further explained, "Tagging a player is a significant financial commitment and it can limit a team's flexibility in managing their roster. By choosing not to tag Darnold, the Vikings may be signaling their intention to keep their options open."

While the final decision remains uncertain, the Viking's interest in Darnold suggests they see potential in the young quarterback. As Davis puts it, "Darnold has raw talent and the potential to develop into a top-tier quarterback. It's clear the Vikings see that potential, even if they're not quite ready to commit fully."

As the deadline for teams to designate their franchise or transition players approaches, the Minnesota Vikings reportedly show interest in retaining Sam Darnold. While the team sees potential in the young quarterback, it is unlikely they will use their franchise tag on him, due to financial constraints and the player's uneven performance.

The Vikings will have to make careful considerations and strategic decisions in the coming days. The team's plans involving Darnold could significantly impact their future trajectory and success in the upcoming NFL season.

Whether Darnold stays with the Vikings or moves on, the next few days will undoubtedly be pivotal for both the player and the team. The outcome promises to reshape the roster and possibly the future of the Vikings.

Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/report-vikings-interested-in-keeping-sam-darnold-but-unlikely-to-tag-him