The Vikings have to get better in the offseason after poor finish, but they must avoid a couple of free agents

While the Vikings have left the door open for Darnold to return to the organization for at least one more season, most analysts and insiders believe a different club will ultimately outspend Minnesota to land the 27-year-old.

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.