This year looks a bit light on franchise tag candidates, but the Vikings do have the most significant decision to make before the March 4 tag deadline.

NFC North, lost to Rams in wild-card round Overview: Before it fell apart in the end, this was the best Vikings season in years, which is remarkable considering their rookie quarterback didn’t play a single snap.

His preseason torn meniscus scuttled those plans and Darnold went on to have a great and surprising year. There are no guarantees that Darnold would be able to repeat his success in 2025, and if the Vikings were to bring him back, his $10 million salary would likely rise to the $35-40 million level.