Darnold, the Jets’ third-overall pick in 2018, had a renaissance in Minnesota last year under the tutelage of Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, throwing 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions through 17 regular-season games.

Minnesota has spent this week at the NFL Combine trying to gauge the market for veteran quarterback Sam Darnold as they determine if they want to place the franchise tag on him. A

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves' loss to the Lakers on Thursday, which had a number of subplots. He was joined by Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling, who has all sorts of updates from the scouting combine in Indianapolis.

Sam Darnold is set to hit free agency in March after leading the Minnesota Vikings to a surprising 14–3 record and a playoff berth in 2024. The Vikings could either let him walk or bring him back on a new contract or the franchise tag, which would be a one-year deal worth an estimated $42.4 million.

Dianna and Chase debate whether Sam Darnold, Kirk Cousins or Russell Wilson could be real options as targets in Indy.

As the Minnesota Vikings descend upon Indianapolis this week for the 2025 NFL Combine, they find themselves in a familiar position. Just last year, the Vikings were the first domino that needed to fall when Kirk Cousins was set to become a free agent.