Sam Darnold is set to hit the open market. The Minnesota Vikings are not expected to use the franchise tag on the 27-year-old quarterback before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline, according to ESPN, clearing Darnold to become one of this offseason’s most coveted free agents.

March 4 (UPI) -- The Minnesota Vikings are not expected to use the franchise tag on quarterback Sam Darnold. Sources told NFL Network, ESPN and NFL Insider Tony Pauline on Monday about the expected transaction, which could lead Darnold into free agency.

On one hand, Darnold went 14-3 last year as a starter in the regular season, and one-and-done in the playoffs. Through 17 weeks, he dramatically exceeded any reasonable expectatio