The Las Vegas Raiders have a big need at quarterback.
They could look to trade up to get Shedeur Sanders in the NFL Draft, but they might find it easier to find their guy in free agency.
To that end, they reportedly are interested in one veteran QB.
“Alec Lewis (of The Athletic) notes the Raiders as one team potentially being interested in Sam Darnold. Largely in part of their flush cap space,” The Purple Persuasion wrote on X.
Regarding local media, @alec_lewis notes the Raiders as one team potentially being interested in Sam Darnold. Largely in part of their flush cap space.
In regards to a tag-and-trade option, Lewis notes that, “the Vikings would have to weigh the value of a late-round pick versus… https://t.co/IgCbJgy4gP pic.twitter.com/FiiTMJ9jSb
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) January 21, 2025
The Raiders will have plenty of cash available, and that could put them in a position to make Darnold an offer he can’t refuse.
The Minnesota Vikings still need to decide whether they want to keep Darnold around.
They could place him under the franchise tag and see whether J.J. McCarthy is ready to take the reins or needs another season on the sidelines.
They could also opt to give Darnold a long-term deal and shop McCarthy around.
If that’s the case, the Raiders could be interested in the No. 10 overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft.
Whatever the case, the Raiders likely do not want to enter next season with Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew as their top two QBs.
There are more than enough legitimate reasons to doubt whether Darnold’s strong play this season will be sustainable, especially considering his struggles in the two biggest games.
But with the way he played for most of the year, it’s safe to assume that he has earned a big payday as a free agent.
Whether the Raiders will be the ones to give it to him remains to be seen.
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