Vikes thread!

[Gunner55]

Mekhi Blackmon was hurt during the preseason & didn't play at all during the regular season but he's signed for 1 more year. Metellus has 1 more year as well. Theo Jackson played pretty well when he got on the field last season too & will only be on the 3rd year of his rookie deal next year. He is listed as Bynum's backup though. I hope they can sign Murphy to a new 3-4 year deal but I believe Gilmore & Shaq Griffen are both gone.

[Gunner55]

  It looks like the league must've had a very good year as I seen a report that the Salary Cap is going up another $6-$10 million more than was anticipated. https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/vikings_just_received_even_more_ammo_to_make_a_huge_splash_in_free_agency_and_they_didnt_have_to_lift_a_finger/s1_17313_41783434

[Gunner55]

  https://vikingsterritory.com/2025/news/top_news/vikings-hire-new-coach

[Gunner55]

https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/vikings_add_assistant_to_their_coaching_staff_replace_wunderkind_grant_udinski_with_impressive_lineage/s1_17313_41847694 Today is the last day to do so, but nobody thinks they will use the franchise tag on Darnold.

[LPS]

Sure wish we could get something for Sam instead of letting him walk. 

[Gunner55]

They will...............but not 'til next year................as it would have to be a compensatory pick. Unless, like last season with Hunter leaving they sign enough free agents, to take that pick back off the board. https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/vikings/2025/03/04/minnesota-vikings-unlikely-franchise-tag-sam-darnold/81280558007/

[Steve-o]

I'm sure they don't like the risk/reward scenario on Darnold.  Yeah, they might get something, but they also might get less than they expect.

Plus, players don't like to be signed to the franchise tag.  They want long term deals.  So I think it would look bad to other free agents if the Vikes tagged Darnold just to trade him, and then he'd have to play another prove-it year for another team.

Ziggy wants to be perceived as one of the best franchises in the league, and I think he's workin his way up the list: with the coaching staff and front office, team facilities, stadium, fan base and fan experience, putting a positive image forward with all those behind-the-scenes Netflix specials (which ain't ESPN Hard Knocks).

[LPS]

I just read that if we do franchise him and noone wants to trade for him we could get stuck with him for the going rate which could be 40 mil or more for that year.

[Steve-o]

I just read that if we do franchise him and noone wants to trade for him we could get stuck with him for the going rate which could be 40 mil or more for that year.

Still, someone would give a 6th rounder for him, but if I read those articles right, if the Vikes trade him for a "bag of balls", then they lose the compensatory pick next year, which is estimated to be a 3rd rounder.

AND if no one wants him at $41M, yes, then the Vikes are hamstrung with everything else they need to get done in free agency - because they only have three draft picks in 2025.  I don't think they can afford to play around with Darnold.  Playing it straight up is the best way to go and not muck around with the franchise tag.

Plus, maybe Darnold is willing to stay with the Vikes at a price they are willing to pay.  I doubt he would, but I'm sure they're having the conversation.

[Gunner55]

  Most of what I've read lately has him signing with the Raiders on a 3-or 4-year deal for around that $40 mil/ per. Most seem to think that would include ~ $60-70 mil guaranteed money too. 

[glenn57]

  i gave up on reading all that crap...... throw sumfin against da wall and see iffin it sticks!!!

[Gunner55]

  There still are a few that don't do it just for the clicks, they actually care about & have a good reputation.

[LPS]

I think being with Carroll and the Raiders would be a good fit.  Back to the 49ers sounds like a good option for him too.

[Gunner55]

I think SF will resign Purdy, but I wouldn't be surprised if they wait & see what kind of deal Darnold gets.

[Rookie]

Did Sam Darnold play well last year??? Yes he did.

BUT, most people don't realize that the Vikings only played 4 playoff teams out of 14...Houston, Green Bay, Rams, and Lions. The other 11 games were against losers. Those , other than the 3 against GB and Houston were all against losers.

And he really stunk in 2 games each against the Rams and Lions.
 

SO....Does that make him worth spending over $40 million???
No....Let's see how McCarthy does along with Jones in McConnel's offense. I think the Viking's brass has also come to this conclusion.

[LPS]

Don't quote these numbers but they are close.  If we keep JJ as QB we will have so much money we won't know what to do with it.  Gunner probably has the numbers and if I see it again I will update.  BUT I think they said 70 to 100 million next year and could be 177 million the next year depending on how things work out.  I really liked Sam but this is exactly why JJ is the mathematic winner.