COMMITTED: Raiders Signed Vikings’ Sam Darnold In Free Agency

Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass as running back Ty Chandler (32) blocks during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

The Las Vegas Raiders endured a dismal 2024 season that resulted in owner Mark Davis firing Antonio Pierce and Tom Telesco, though the two could hardly be blamed for all of the team’s struggles.

Entering the regular season, the Raiders had a massive question mark at the quarterback position. Veteran signal caller Gardner Minshew earned the nod as the team’s starter, but poor play and injuries forced Pierce to pivot to Aidan O’Connell midway through the year.

Las Vegas is entering its second consecutive offseason, trying to find a solution for the most important position on the field. The Raiders could trade up for someone like Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft or scour the free agency market to find a veteran bridge option.

One name that’s starting to gain steam is Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, who should have several suitors. According to via Adam Schefter of ESPN, he expects Las Vegas to register interest at some point in free agency:

“Maybe the marquee quarterback this offseason is Sam Darnold, the Minnesota Vikings quarterback. The Vikings have said they’d like to bring him back, but that is not gonna be cheap. The franchise tag remains an option and one team that I would watch with Sam Darnold moving forward would be the Las Vegas Raiders. I think at some point in time they’re likely to have some interest in trying to bring Sam Darnold to Las Vegas. We’ll see if they can make that happen,” Schefter reported.

Darnold had a rough time close to the season and was on the Wild Card against the Los Angeles Rams, but he still had a career year playing in Minnesota and is set to cash in. While his struggles handling pressure up front are well-documented at this point, he has a good arm and can quickly diagnose plays on the field. He also has some mobility to navigate pressure and get out of the pocket.

Assuming Las Vegas is looking to stay competitive next season, signing Darnold wouldn’t be a bad option, though it wouldn’t be wise to invest too much-guaranteed money. Still, the Raiders need a quarterback, and Darnold will fit the bill until they find a longer-term solution.

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