Tracking Vikings/NFL news, rumors on franchise tag deadline day

Today (Tuesday, March 4) is a notable day on the NFL offseason calendar. At 3 p.m. central time, we'll officially pass the deadline for teams to use the franchise or transition tag on players.

There's been plenty of news over the past couple days, much of it either directly or indirectly related to the Minnesota Vikings. Below, you can get caught up on the latest from around the league — and this story will be updated as more news and rumors hit social media.

The latest on Vikings' Darnold situation

On Monday night, two of the major NFL newsbreakers (Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport) reported that the Vikings are not expected to tag Sam Darnold ahead of today's deadline. That means no tag-and-trade situation, which would've been difficult to pull off for a few reasons even with teams expected to be interested in the Pro Bowl quarterback's services.

Tuesday update: It's now "official" that Darnold will not be tagged.

Both insiders mentioned that the Vikings have interest in retaining Darnold. On Tuesday, Rapoport doubled down on that idea by saying Minnesota is "not done with Darnold yet" and is trying to retain him before he hits free agency.

Frankly, it's very difficult to see that happening unless he wants to take a lot less than his market value to return to the Vikings. Kevin O'Connell has said that Darnold has "earned the right to be a free agent," and that remains the most likely outcome here. The legal tampering period begins next Monday.

Rams trade Jonah Jackson to Bears

The Rams traded former Pro Bowl guard Jonah Jackson to the Bears for a sixth-round pick on Tuesday. Chicago is reportedly taking on the entirety of the $34.5 million left on Jackson's contract over the next two seasons.

Trade: Rams are in the process of sending veteran offensive lineman Jonah Jackson to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick, per ESPN’s @CourtneyRCronin. The trade cannot be processed until March 12. pic.twitter.com/lj3M8VW5V8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2025

That's notable for the Vikings even beyond the Bears being a division rival. Both teams came into this offseason with major needs at the guard position, and now Chicago has made a big move to address that weakness. With Trey Smith being tagged by the Chiefs, the Bears got creative and reunited Jackson with Ben Johnson, who coached him with the Lions for the first four seasons of his career.

Cowboys sign Osa Odighizuwa to four-year extension

The Cowboys agreed to terms with standout defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa on a four-year, $80 million new contract, taking one of the top free agents off the market before it opens. Odighizuwa, a third-round pick in 2021, would've made a lot of sense as a Vikings target if he had made it to free agency. The top DT options expected to be available include Milton Williams, Javon Hargrave and others.

The #Cowboys and standout DL Osa Odighizuwa have agreed to terms on a 4-year, $80M deal, per me and @MikeGarafolo, with $58M guaranteed.

One of the top tackles in the market, Odighizuwa stays in Dallas on a deal done by agent Sam Leaf of @BallengeeGroup. pic.twitter.com/CGGQTiGGE5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2025

Smith, Higgins headline this year's tagged players

Chiefs guard Trey Smith and Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins are the two most notable players who have been franchise-tagged by their teams this year. Smith, who was tagged last week, was set to be the top offensive lineman on the market.

No tag expected for Jevon Holland

The Dolphins are not expected to use the tag on safety Jevon Holland, who is just 25 years old. He won't come cheap, but could the Vikings look to reunite him with Brian Flores in free agency if they lose Harrison Smith and/or Camryn Bynum? They have a lot of the things on Holland's stated wish list.

Notable players released

The Eagles are releasing CB James Bradberry and the Jets are cutting WR Davante Adams, according to reports. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Bradberry, who is 31 years old and missed all of last season due to injury. Adams might just follow Aaron Rodgers wherever he ends up (which isn't going to be Minnesota).

Potential cornerback targets?

One of the position groups the Vikings are expected to upgrade on in free agency is the cornerback room. There might be a couple names to monitor: Detroit Lions free agent Carlton Davis and New York Jets free agent DJ Reed. Those names were mentioned in free agent discussions by the Star Tribune's Ben Goessling on their Access Vikings podcast Tuesday.

“Carlton Davis is a name that I would keep an eye on. I’ve heard a little bit to think they may be interested there. I mean, DJ Reed had a great game against them last year too, so those names could be in the mix and I think they want to bring Byron Murphy back," Goessling said on the podcast.

Saquon Barkley extended

This one has absolutely no pertinence to the Vikings, but it's big NFL news nonetheless. The Eagles have locked up Saquon Barkley on a two-year, $41 million extension that makes him the highest-paid running back in NFL history.

Keep an eye out for more updates...