Several months back, the outlook for Sam Darnold didn’t seem promising. Once a standout at the University of Southern California and the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, he was widely criticized as a bust and regarded as merely a decent backup at best in the professional league.
However, this season has seen a remarkable turnaround for Darnold with the Minnesota Vikings. His performance not only defied expectations but also allowed the team to far exceed what anyone anticipated.
As Darnold enters free agency, there’s a strong possibility that he may don a different jersey come September.
One source within the Vikings organization suggests that the Las Vegas Raiders could be an ideal destination for Darnold, considering their dire need for a skilled quarterback, as reported by The Purple Persuasion.
“I believe Sam would fit in perfectly, primarily because their offense is designed for quick play,” remarked the insider.
The Raiders, coming off a disappointing 4-13 season in 2024, have brought in Pete Carroll as their new head coach and Chip Kelly as the offensive coordinator. With these changes, they’ll need a quarterback who can thrive in a fast-paced offense.
Darnold’s impressive stats this season—4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns—earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl. This performance has proven that with the right players and coaching, he can truly shine.
Yet, the current Raiders lineup lacks significant offensive power. Despite an impressive rookie year from tight end Brock Bowers and a solid performance from wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, who accrued 1,027 receiving yards, the team lacks a true star playmaker and arguably has the weakest running back unit in the league.
Apart from perhaps Aaron Rodgers, Darnold might be the most in-demand quarterback during this offseason.
