Report: Vikings Interested in Bringing Sam Darnold Back, Transition Tag Possible

Sam Darnold - NFC Wild Card Round -Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

It’s just the beginning of what is sure to be a very active offseason for the Minnesota Vikings. They’ve already locked in their head coach for the long haul. The GM is reportedly next. Then, all focus will turn to the immediate future at quarterback.

As of now, the Vikings have Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones and JJ McCarthy on roster. Any of the three could legitimately start week one under center for the purple in 2025. Unfortunately, we are a long ways away from knowing who the choice will be.

Minnesota Vikings still unsure of their QB plans

On Saturday, we got a little insight into what those inside the MN Vikings organization may be thinking. According to Jeremy Fowler (ESPN), they have not decided what they will do yet at the most important position in sports.

Sam Darnold leading the Minnesota Vikings huddle in the NFL Championship game vs Los Angeles
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

He also says, however, that Minnesota is much more interested in bringing Darnold back for another year than they were five to six months ago. The question, of course, comes down to money. Per Fowler, the Vikings have a cap on what they’ll spend.

The Vikings have not yet made a firm determination on Sam Darnold‘s future with the team. His strong play this season has caused them to pause and take a hard look at their options. Bringing him back feels like a stronger possibility than it was five or six months ago. But the Vikings will have a cap on spending here.

Jeremy Fowler – ESPN

Related: Jefferson Flops, Darnold Shines Repping MN Vikings During NFL Skills Competition

Before Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah can make any plans at the most important position in all of sports, they must figure out how ready McCarthy is to return from his knee injury, if Jones is interested in sticking around on a short-term deal and whether or not they can afford Darnold.

Transition tag possible for Sam Darnold?

If Sam Darnold demands too much, not only is the franchise tag an option — as has already been reported — but so is the transition tag ($35.3 million). Fowler also reports that many agents around the league believe Sam should demand nothing less than four years, $160 million. Others see him in the Baker Mayfield — three years, $100 million — type of range.

Some agents have argued that Darnold shouldn’t take a penny less than Daniel Jones‘ four-year, $160 million deal with the Giants from two years ago. Teams have suggested Darnold getting something more in line with Baker Mayfield‘s contract (three years, $100 million). In the end, perhaps the transition tag ($35.3 million) makes the most sense.

Jeremy Fowler – ESPN

The transition tag is much different than the franchise tag, which would essentially lock Sam Darnold into a 1 year, $41 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings. He would have no say in the matter. He could refuse to sign the franchise tag, but then he risks not playing football in 2025.

With the transition tag, other teams would still get the opportunity to bid on Darnold’s services. The Vikings, in turn, would have the opportunity to match his biggest offer. If they chose not to match, Sam would walk and no longer count into Minnesota’s compensation pick formula in 2026.

Related: NFL Insider Believes Sam Darnold Will Price Himself Out of Minnesota

The circumstances surrounding the transition tag make it less likely the Minnesota Vikings opt for that route. No doubt Darnold would get offers better than one year, $35.5 million. I only see Kwesi using the transition tag if he believes the offers would be underwhelming enough that the Vikings would be willing to match.

Given the numbers most agents and experts are throwing out there, I do not see that being a feasible outcome. Remember, it behooves the MN Vikings to convince other teams of their love for Sam Darnold. The more he is wanted, the more he will be worth, which makes him easier for the Vikings to tag and trade him.

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