The Vikings completed a contract extension for head coach Kevin O’Connell and are working toward one with General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Seven Vikings players participated in the Pro Bowl Games, with cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. earning defensive MVP honors in the NFC’s win. O’Connell was named NFL Coach of the Year and former Vikings sack machine Jared Allen was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame ahead of the Eagles' Super Bowl win.
The NFL offseason is officially here as the focus shifts to player acquisition and retention in free agency and the draft. Here’s what’s next for the Vikings.
Franchise and transition tag period
Feb. 18-March 4
Teams have a 15-day window to tag their free agent players with either franchise or transition tags before the signing period.
The Vikings could tag Darnold if they want to keep him around for another season without committing long-term. Darnold would be paid an estimated $39.5 million next year if tagged. He could also be tagged by the Vikings and then traded.
Whether the Vikings tag Darnold or not could be a substantial clue to how they view their 2025 quarterback outlook. O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah didn’t commit to a path forward at QB following the conclusion of the 2024 season.
The Vikings are likely to use the league’s gathering at the scouting combine in Indianapolis next week to gauge the market for Darnold.
Scouting combine
Feb. 24-March 3