The top name in the 2025 quarterback market is expected to be Sam Darnold, who is likely to join a new team. Adam Schefter of ESPN suggests the Raiders could be a key contender for his services.
This news comes a year after reports emerged that the Vikings were considering Darnold as a potential replacement for Kirk Cousins. After underwhelming stints with the Jets and Panthers, largely due to the teams’ struggles rather than Darnold’s own play, he spent a season backing up Brock Purdy in San Francisco.
During his first year with the Vikings, Darnold had a successful run, winning 14 regular-season games—the most by any quarterback in their first year with a team.
The Vikings’ $10 million investment in Darnold paid off, but two disappointing performances at the end of the season, including one that cost them a chance at the top seed and another in the Wild Card round, left the team more inclined to move forward with 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, who missed his rookie season due to a knee injury.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed that Darnold has earned the right to become a free agent, which likely means he will sign with another team to start.
For a team like the Raiders, which has been out of the playoff picture, taking a chance on Darnold is less risky. In Minnesota, a quick postseason exit would be seen as a failure, but for the Raiders, it could be seen as a step forward.
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