Raiders Eye Sam Darnold as Vikings Prepare for Free Agency Standoff

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The future of quarterback Sam Darnold is in limbo as NFL free agency approaches, with speculation mounting that he will become a prized target for teams in need of a signal caller. Following a breakout season with the Minnesota Vikings, where he threw a career-high 35 touchdowns and led the team to a 14-3 record, Darnold is poised to test the free agency market after earning the right to do so, according to Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell.

“Sam has earned the right to be a free agent,” O’Connell stated this week, all but confirming that Darnold will explore what other teams have to offer. The Las Vegas Raiders, who are also looking for a solution at quarterback after a subpar season, are reportedly primed to pursue Darnold should he become available. With over $92 million in cap space for the 2025 offseason, the Raiders have the financial flexibility to make a significant move for the former first-round draft pick.

Throughout the 2024 season, the Raiders struggled with quarterback play, unable to find stability as they rotated between backups Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew. New minority owner Tom Brady‘s influence may also bolster the team’s pursuit of a fresh face at the position.

Darnold had a challenging finish to the season, with disappointing performances in both the Week 18 matchup and the wildcard playoff game. However, his overall contributions during the season have positioned him as an attractive option for teams looking to solidify their quarterback situation, amidst an otherwise scarce free-agent pool.

The Vikings face their own conundrum as they prepare for a potential reshaping of their quarterback lineup. Currently, the roster includes Comeback Player of the Year finalist, a rookie returning from injury, and a former first-round pick who has remained on the roster. O’Connell acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence in the depth of talent at the position. “You don’t want to call them problems. They are good things to have as an organization,” he remarked regarding the depth of their quarterback talent.

The Vikings’ decision on Darnold and their quarterback hierarchy will likely hinge on other factors, including the availability of compelling draft prospects like Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, both of whom could be off the board before the Vikings pick sixth overall.

“There’s a lot of dialogue we’re continuing to have with Sam and his representation,” O’Connell continued. “What that means for the future, we just have to keep working through all those details.” With the new league year approaching, resolution on Darnold’s future is anticipated, but it may extend well into the offseason.

As the offseason unfolds, both the Vikings and interested teams like the Raiders will closely monitor Darnold’s market status, positioning themselves for what might become a pivotal free-agency period.