Raiders trading for Geno Smith explains why Vikings didn't franchise tag Sam Darnold, opens up a new suitor
When the Minnesota Vikings chose not to franchise tag on quarterback Sam Darnold, it signaled that there wasn't much of a trade market for him. Even if there was a market, the Vikings didn't believe it was enough to make the move with the salary cap implications. The Vikings do have a contract offer on the […]
When the Minnesota Vikings chose not to franchise tag on quarterback Sam Darnold, it signaled that there wasn't much of a trade market for him. Even if there was a market, the Vikings didn't believe it was enough to make the move with the salary cap implications.
The Vikings do have a contract offer on the table for Darnold, but they did the same thing for Kirk Cousins last year. It was a lowball offer and he chose to leave and sign with the Atlanta Falcons.
Sam Darnold has a new suitor
Early on Friday evening, Darnold's future took quite an interesting turn. The Las Vegas Raiders, who were expected to be a huge suitor for Darnold, exited the race for him with a major move, as they traded for Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith.
When you think about it, it's quite an interesting move for the Raiders. While Smith is 34 years old, Raiders head coach Pete Carroll was the one who gave Smith his shot in Seattle and now he acquired him to stabilize the position in Las Vegas.
This certainly changes the dynamic in the free agency market for a lot of teams. The Seahawks now don't have a quarterback and are expected to pursue Darnold.
It also explains why the trade market wasn't as flush for Darnold as we might have thought. The Raiders were long expected to be the team that was going to pursue Darnold and it seemed odd they weren't willing to give up one of their two third round picks to secure Darnold. Turns out they were saving that pick to acquire Smith.
Now that the Seahawks are in need of a quarterback, Darnold makes a lot of sense. Klint Kubiak's offense is both similar to what Kevin O'Connell runs and can also help limit the mistakes from Darnold. He will also have a good running game with Kenneth Walker III and a great receiver in Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Strap in everyone, it's going to be a wild one.
Regardless of what the Vikings want, Sam Darnold would be foolish to return to Minnesota for this reason
We really should be talking about what’s best for Sam Darnold
Vikings trade target could make his way to Minnesota while helping them earn a draft pick
It’s a brilliant strategy by the Vikings
