As four teams remain in the NFL playoffs, the Las Vegas Raiders have already shifted their focus to the offseason. The biggest concern for the team is their quarterback situation, as they tried three different quarterbacks last season. Now, they must decide whether to pursue a veteran or invest in a high draft pick.
With the Minnesota Vikings’ early exit from the NFC playoffs, attention has turned to free agent Sam Darnold, who could be a strong fit for the Raiders. The team desperately needs a dependable quarterback to complement their offense, and Darnold could be the answer.
“At Pick 6, [the Raiders] are out of range for a quarterback unless they trade up, which may not be wise given the number of other needs they have,” said an NFL personnel executive to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. “They need all their picks. They also have enough salary cap flexibility to make it happen.”
The Raiders are expected to have nearly $100 million in cap space to sign Darnold, putting them in a strong position to compete for his services against other teams.
Darnold seems to meet the Raiders’ criteria for a potential franchise quarterback. After a turbulent career, including being drafted as a first-round pick, backing up other quarterbacks, and eventually earning a starting role, Darnold has shown he can handle the ups and downs of the NFL. His 2024 season was his best yet, leading the Vikings to 14 wins, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns. He’ll only be 28 years old in June, making him an appealing option for the Raiders.
This offseason could be pivotal for the Raiders, as they look to reshape their offense after losing key players like Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams. The team’s inability to find a consistent quarterback in 2024 only underscores the need for a more stable option, and Darnold could provide the solution to their ongoing quarterback dilemma.
Leave a Reply