The Las Vegas Raiders’ search for their franchise quarterback continues, spanning the past few seasons.
With upcoming free-agent decisions, the draft, and a strong AFC West division, they will address their need a signal-caller soon. Amid this, rumors have linked Sam Darnold to Sin City.
NFL Fans React to Sam Darnold and Las Vegas Raiders Link
The Raiders needs a new QB and have the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, that spot might not allow them to pick one of the two top quarterbacks in the pool.
Because of this, the Raiders will possibly look at free agents, and according to ESPN’s Matt Bowen, Darnold is the best fit for the team.
“With the transition to coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, the Raiders could finally solve their QB issue in free agency by signing Darnold,” Bowen wrote. “Las Vegas was 30th in QBR in 2024 (40.4), and Darnold’s 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdown throws for the Vikings both ranked fifth in the league.
“And in Vegas, Kelly could scheme for Darnold’s arm talent, while also using his mobility to attack the edges.”
🚨JUST IN: The Las Vegas #Raiders are the FAVORITES to sign quarterback Sam Darnold if he leaves Min., per @BovadaOfficial.
👀
Sam was a Pro Bowler this season & had a 102.5 passer rating, throwing for 4K+ yards.
Darnold has a strong connection to HC Pete Carroll due to USC. pic.twitter.com/t2QH9H0TlC
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) February 19, 2025
This possibility had fans on X excited.
“I could see this,” a fan said.
“That would be a great place for him, honestly.” Another fan echoed.
“Happy to hear this!” a fan chimed in.
Darnold had a resurgence in 2024 with the Minnesota Vikings while playing on a one-year contract, finishing with a 14-3 record and a playoff appearance. He also finished the 2024 regular season with a No. 12 ranking (79.0) and B grade in PFSN’s QB+ metric.
If he becomes a free agent, he might receive a contract similar to the one Baker Mayfield signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year for three years and $100 million.
“He better get that bag from the raiders cause he’ll fail for sure there,” a fan opined.
— jess (@JessChillN_) February 20, 2025
“That would be interesting,” a fan wrote.
After releasing Derek Carr in February 2023, Las Vegas hasn’t found a serviceable QB. Jimmy Garoppolo came in after Carr but things didn’t go well. After the former was injured, rookie Aidan O’Connell stepped into the starting job. O’Connell outperformed Garoppolo, but the franchise turned to free agent Gardner Minshew in 2024.
Minshew started well but got injured midway through the season, and he finished with an abysmal No. 35 ranking (60.6) and D- grade in PFSN’s QB+ metric. Now, with Minshew under contract for 2025 at $13.9 million, the Raiders could part ways with him. A release would cost Las Vegas $10.8 million in dead cap space, while a trade would result in a $4.5 million dead-cap charge.
While it remains to be seen if Darnold’s 2024 campaign was the start of a new career chapter or just a fluke, the Raiders badly need stability under center and Darnold could be worth taking a chance on.
