Vikings Weigh Franchise Tag Options for Sam Darnold and Byron Murphy Jr.
One possibility for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold this offseason is the franchise tag.
A one-year, market-rate contract that players have no control over, the franchise tag allows teams to retain a player they’re uncertain about committing to long-term or to maintain negotiating leverage ahead of free agency. Teams can also use the tag as a means to facilitate exclusive trade discussions.
For the Vikings, a tag-and-trade scenario could be the most advantageous, enabling them to get value in return after helping Darnold rebuild his career.
However, as the franchise tag window approaches, Minnesota appears to be leaning toward using the tag on another player.
According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert (Feb. 17), the Vikings are more likely to place the tag on Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.
“The Vikings seem more likely to let Darnold sign elsewhere and preserve their tag for a player such as cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., who had a career-high six interceptions in 2024 and is hitting his prime at age 27,” Seifert reported. “At the very least, it would give the Vikings time to negotiate a long-term deal while keeping him off the open market.”
Why Murphy Makes More Sense Than Darnold
Tagging Murphy would be significantly cheaper than tagging Darnold.
The projected franchise tag for a quarterback in 2025 is approximately $40 million, while the tag for a cornerback is closer to $20 million, per Over The Cap.
The Vikings are also uncertain about Darnold’s market value, and if they tag him without securing a trade partner, it could severely impact their ability to sign other free agents. Tagging Darnold would tie up nearly 75% of their available salary cap space.
With over two dozen Vikings players set to hit free agency, Minnesota must be strategic with its cap management.
Murphy, coming off a career-best season, is set to enter a competitive free-agent market. Pro Football Focus ranks him as the sixth-best cornerback available.
While the franchise tag isn’t an ideal fit for Murphy, his versatility to play both outside and in the slot makes him a valuable asset in Brian Flores’ defense. The Vikings may not want to risk losing him to free agency.
Vikings Should Gauge Darnold’s Trade Value at the NFL Combine
The NFL Combine in Indianapolis serves as an unofficial hub for teams and agents to gauge free-agent markets.
Darnold’s representatives will likely get a sense of his potential suitors but may keep that information under wraps.
If the Vikings determine that multiple teams are interested in Darnold, the tag-and-trade option could become a more viable strategy.
Leave a Reply