USC Legend Sam Darnold Learning Free Agency Fate With Vikings

The news is a mix of promising but also cautious for the Vikings. By not pivoting to the franchise tag option, it means Minnesota won't have to set a $40.242 million price for the non-exclusive tender. Going the tag option also means keeping a player for one more year -- unless there's a team that can match the Vikings' deal. 

Darnold is projected to earn a massive payday. The 2018 top five draft pick could earn a four-year, $160.5 million deal as Spotrac predicts. The Vikings, however, face multiple NFL teams seeking a QB -- and likely will have the 2024 Pro Bowler high on their list. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers rise as one with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson both entering free agency with Darnold. All three are leading the 2025 class of free agent QBs. 

The New York Giants are another strong possibility. New York can still pivot to the 2025 NFL Draft to find a new franchise QB. But names like Darnold, Fields, Wilson and even Aaron Rodgers could attract the Giants on the veteran side. 

Then there's the Las Vegas Raiders, who come with a USC connection through Pete Carroll. The incoming Raiders head coach, though, never got to coach Darnold as he was already leading the Seattle Seahawks during Darnold's college career. The Raiders joined the Giants in trying to swing big at a trade for Matthew Stafford, but failed. Vegas can attempt to make up for it by landing Darnold. 

The past third overall selection threw more than 4,000 yards and tossed 35 touchdowns last season for Minnesota. He also led the Vikings to a 14-3 mark and came within one win from securing both the division and NFC's top seed. 

Darnold played 27 total games for USC. He threw 7,229 career passing yards with 57 touchdowns.