The Las Vegas Raiders are back in quarterback limbo after Matthew Stafford chose to remain with the Los Angeles Rams and is officially tabled. Now, all eyes are on who will take over under center as Tom Brady’s influence on the quarterback hunt as a part-owner grows stronger.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Sam Darnold could be the name to watch.
Sam Darnold Could Be the Next-Best QB Options for the Raiders
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that, with Stafford off the board, the Raiders have shifted their attention to three primary targets: Darnold, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields.
With Matthew Stafford remaining with the Rams, the New York Giants are investigating all veteran quarterback options…..including Aaron Rodgers, per sources. pic.twitter.com/qy3nzSdZy6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 28, 2025
SI’s Breer doubled down on the report while highlighting how the 27-year-old could be a good fit.
“My sense is the Raiders are wide open as well, but I’d keep an eye on the idea that Sam Darnold could be the play there — he’s, at least on paper, a pretty good fit for Chip Kelly’s offense,” Breer wrote.
Further on, he even compared Darnold’s potential role to Alex Smith’s early years in Kansas City, when he turned out to be a reliable veteran who could provide stability while the team figured out a long-term plan.
Darnold is coming off an impressive stint with the Minnesota Vikings where he threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in what was arguably the best season of his career. The resurgence has made him a hot commodity in free agency, but questions remain about whether he can sustain that success in a new system.
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Meanwhile, Wilson and Fields present different but intriguing alternatives. Wilson’s previous relationship with new head coach Pete Carroll makes him a logical fit, offering the kind of veteran experience that could stabilize the Raiders’ offense. On the other hand, Fields brings more dynamism with his athleticism but remains unproven as a consistent passer.
2024 QB+ Grade, Ranking:
- Darnold: 79.0, 12th in the NFL among 39 qualified names
- Fields: 78.1, N/A (did not qualify for thresholds)
- Wilson: 75.3, 17th
With uncertainty surrounding the 2025 NFL Draft, Las Vegas may feel pressure to make a decisive move in free agency. Meanwhile, Vic Tafur of The Athletic noted that the team has had a lukewarm response toward Darnold and other available quarterbacks, suggesting they may be hesitant to commit big money to a free agent unless they believe he’s a true long-term solution.
Brady’s involvement in ownership only heightens the stakes. The Raiders can’t afford another season of quarterback instability, and while none of these options scream “franchise QB,” securing the right bridge option will be critical for their future.