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. At this point, if the Vikings decide to use the franchise tag on Darnold, it would most likely be because they have found a willing trade partner.

Appearing confident to move onto J.J. McCarthy next season, the Vikings must find a trade suitor for Darnold before the franchise tag window closes on March 4. If Minnesota cannot find a trade partner, they will likely refuse to tag Darnold and let him walk to what is expected to be a competitive free agency.

The Minnesota Vikings appear to have a trade suitor for quarterback Sam Darnold in the form of the Las Vegas Raiders.

During Super Bowl week, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said quarterback Sam Darnold has earned the right to become a free agent. Whether he'll get a crack at free agency remains to be seen. The Vikings have until Tuesday to use the franchise tag on Darnold.

The Minnesota Vikings’ ongoing quarterback conundrum this offseason has been as unclear as initially expected. No one had a stern belief that, at this stage going into March, the organization would have made their decision on who would be under center for next season.