Copyright © 2025 Bleacher Report, Inc. A Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All Rights Reserved.
Sam Darnold is set to hit the open market. The Minnesota Vikings are not expected to use the franchise tag on the 27-year-old quarterback before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline, according to ESPN, clearing Darnold to become one of this offseason’s most coveted free agents.
Here's the latest news and everything you need to know about the first major wave of NFL player movement this spring.
March 4 (UPI) -- The Minnesota Vikings are not expected to use the franchise tag on quarterback Sam Darnold. Sources told NFL Network, ESPN and NFL Insider Tony Pauline on Monday about the expected transaction, which could lead Darnold into free agency.
ET deadline came and went Tuesday with only two NFL players receiving the franchise tag: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins and Kansas City Chiefs right guard Trey Smith.
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.