Pittsburgh Steelers will reportedly have a shot at signing Pro Bowl quarterback following expected decline of franchise tag
While it has become increasingly clear that the Pittsburgh Steelers will be returning a starter from 2024, you never know what will happen in free agency. And following a move from the Minnesota Vikings, the signal caller that many believe to be the best on the market just got granted his wish. Now it's time […]
While it has become increasingly clear that the Pittsburgh Steelers will be returning a starter from 2024, you never know what will happen in free agency.
And following a move from the Minnesota Vikings, the signal caller that many believe to be the best on the market just got granted his wish.
Now it's time to see if the Steelers bite…
Vikings not expected to franchise tag Sam Darnold
During my Saturday notes article from the combine, I mentioned reports elsewhere stated the Vikings could pull a tag and trade on Sam Darnold. This morning, a source told me emphatically that they won't tag the quarterback, and Darnold will hit the free agent market.
– Tomy Pauline, Sportskeeda
Darnold had a career year in 2024. As a full-time starter for Minnesota, he set career highs in passing yards, touchdowns, and quarterback rating, all the while leading the team to a 14-3 record.
At only 27 years old and coming off his first-ever Pro Bowl bid, some might wonder why Darnold is even hitting the market.
Well, beyond the fact that Minnesota used a first-round pick on J.J. McCarthy last year and think of him as their franchise QB, Darnold didn't end his year very well.
After an embarrassing loss against the Detroit Lions that cost them the first overall seed in the playoffs. Darnold and the Vikings didn't look ready to play come the playoffs and got bounced in round one.
It left a sour taste in the mouth of not only the Minnesota brass but many NFL decision-makers.
That being said, if you told the Steelers they would get the same play from Darnold in 2025 that he displayed in the first 16 weeks of last season, they would sign him in a New York minute.
So If Omar Khan is true to his word, the team will be doing their due diligence on all available free agents, but especially ones in positions of need. And if the team misses out on Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, Darnold may be not only their best bet, but their only bet in 2025.
