Only four days separate the football world from the unofficial start of the NFL's 2025 free agency period with the legal tampering window beginning on March 10. That's why now is

There is growing consensus that Darnold’s best option will be to work out a one- or two-year deal with the Vikings for $25M to $30M a season, giving the two sides an chance to do a new deal next offseason or for Darnold to re-enter free agency in 2026.

Minnesota re-sign Sam Darnold long term. What it means for the Vikings. A lot depends on the terms of the contract here. It had been projected that Darnold could make as

It's a key point in the NFL offseason for the Titans and other teams. Where will the free agents sign, who will be released and who will be traded?

The Vikings could have tagged Darnold and tried to trade him to get a return, but The Athletic's Alec Lewis and ESPN's Kevin Seifert noted that teams would be unlikely to spend a draft pick on Darnold and then pay him.

There were two reasons the move didn’t make sense for the Vikings. Plus, Aaron Rodgers’s price tag, mid-first round draft targets and more.

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.

The quarterback still could re-sign with the Vikings, but he remains eligible for unrestricted free agency next week.

The Vikings chose not to franchise-tag Darnold, who is coming off a career year, but Minnesota could find a way to keep the veteran QB.