Vikings, Sam Darnold Get Good News From Matthew Stafford Update

The Minnesota Vikings have limited time to execute a tag-and-trade with Sam Darnold if they are determined to get picks for the upcoming NFL Draft.

A deal must happen before the start of free agency on March 12, otherwise, Darnold will walk to free agency and have multiple teams competing for his services.

In theory, the tag-and-trade is the ideal scenario for Minnesota. In practice, it’s difficult to pull off with the gamesmanship many front offices play with each other.

Teams interested in Darnold would much rather bid for him in free agency than have to give up draft compensation and still need to extend him. For a team targeting Darnold, it’s in their best interest to remain ho-hum about any trade pitch coming from Minnesota.

Teams interested in Darnold would much rather bid for him in free agency than have to give up draft compensation and still need to extend him. For a team targeting Darnold, it’s in their best interest to remain ho-hum about any trade pitch coming from Minnesota.

However, the highest bidder doesn’t always win. Darnold understands the importance of finding a sound offensive structure after winning 14 games with the Vikings and may be willing to take lesser pay for a better situation

One of the most quarterback-friendly environments seems to have a potential opening that could become the likeliest tag-and-trade destination for Darnold.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Los Angeles Rams, embroiled in a contract feud with Matthew Stafford, gave his agent permission to speak with other teams about a new contract if he became available by trade.

“The Rams have been in conversation with his agent,” Pelissero said on “The Rich Eisen Show” on February 21. “They’ve also given his agent permission to talk to other clubs and just figure out ‘Hey, if he became available, if there were a trade what would the numbers be elsewhere here?’ ”

“Everybody is going to be an alternative if they’re not able to work something out in LA,” he added.