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.

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.

The Associated Press Saquon Barkley will become the highest-paid running back in NFL history after his record-setting season helped the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl. The Eagles are giving Barkley a two-year contract extension worth $41.

While the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers have long been floated as teams that could pursue Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris, it appears another team could be in the market.

It has been 18 years since the Vikings drafted Adrian Peterson, the franchise’s last first-round pick at running back. Would General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah consider taking the next one with the 24th overall pick in April’s NFL draft?