Vikings Consider Franchise Tag for QB Sam Darnold, Free Agency Approaches

The Minnesota Vikings are entering a crucial period with the franchise/transition tag window opening from February 18 to March 4, ahead of the start of free agency on March 10. Speculation surrounds quarterback Sam Darnold and cornerback Byron Murphy, with the Vikings likely to use the franchise tag on one of them. However, recent moves indicate that the Vikings have pushed back Murphy's contract void date, preventing him from being tagged, while Darnold's contract remains unchanged. Darnold, coming off a successful season, is seen as a top quarterback free agent but may not receive a long-term deal from the Vikings as they consider rookie J.J. McCarthy as their future starter. The team faces decisions on whether to tag Darnold to retain him or allow him to explore free agency. The upcoming weeks will determine Darnold's fate and the Vikings' strategy moving forward.