The Minnesota Vikings are primed to franchise tag QB Sam Darnold and then trade him in an unprecedented NFL move.

The Minnesota Vikings have a slightly precarious situation at quarterback that needs to be settled in the coming months. Had Sam Darnold had the sort of ending to the season that his 35 touchdown, 4,319 season would have commanded,

For most of the season, Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings’ offense were in control, winning 14 games in their

Sam Darnold's future as the Minnesota Vikings quarterback is a major question mark heading into the offseason. Has the former USC Trojan earned the right to be the starter next season, or will the Pro Bowler be on the move?

Would Minnesota get the most value by franchise-tagging its quarterback? Who actually makes the final decisions on draft night?

As such, Minnesota will be in prime position to revive another former starting quarterback's career in 2025 -- potentially as McCarthy's backup and/or his competition. The Vikings signed former New York Giants signal-caller Daniel Jones after he was cut mid-season and bringing him back is an option if Darnold departs.

Darnold stepped in and had a season to remember. He led the Vikings to a 14-3 record but the team was ultimately eliminated in the Wild Card Round. He finished fifth in the NFL for passing yards with 4,319 and fifth in total touchdowns with 35.

Once perceived as a journeyman quarterback, Sam Darnold has found a home in Minnesota. Or has he? Darnold’s future as a quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings could hinge on his performance in the playoffs. Monday night's NFC wild-card battle is set to be ...

A couple of other quarterbacks fit that pattern, and the Twins, Lynx, Gophers and North Stars all have made boom-and-bust hires.

The NFL and Associated Press unveiled the finalists for year-end awards on Thursday, and among them are Kevin O'Connell for Coach of the Year, Brian Flores for Assistant Coach of the Year and Sam Darnold for Comeback Player of the Year.

Signed by the Vikings in March on a one-year, $10 million deal, Darnold — starting over injured rookie J.J. McCarthy, who underwent surgery for his meniscus during preseason — helped lead Minnesota to a 14-3 regular season record that boasted a nine-game win streak.

Sam Darnold’s shaky finish shouldn’t ruin his impressive season or impact his future. Several NFL teams need a franchise quarterback and Darnold proved he can be that guy in Minnesota, becoming the first quarterback to record 14 wins in his first season with a team.