This year looks a bit light on franchise tag candidates, but the Vikings do have the most significant decision to make before the March 4 tag deadline.

The Minnesota Vikings have one final way to protect themselves from making a drastic decision at quarterback. Instead of signing Sam Darnold to a standard contract or franchise tagging him, they could use the transition tag.

“Stafford and Kevin O’Connell are already familiar with each other, having won a Super Bowl together with the Rams back in 2022. Who wouldn’t want to see Stafford close out his NFL career by throwing the rock around to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson? (Maybe Lions fans).”