As the NFL offseason approaches, the Las Vegas Raiders have several areas in need of improvement. However, one glaring issue stands above the rest: their quarterback situation.
The Raiders are in desperate need of an upgrade at the quarterback position, and there are plenty of options available. Whether they pursue a quarterback through free agency, the 2025 NFL Draft, or a trade, Las Vegas has many potential paths to explore.
Among the most significant recommendations is for the Raiders to make a bold move at quarterback. The 33rd Team recently highlighted a free-agent signing that would make a major impact for the Raiders: Sam Darnold. They projected him to sign a three-year, $124 million contract with the team.
With the Raiders picking at No. 6, the likelihood of landing top quarterbacks like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders seems slim. Additionally, the team’s new head coach, Pete Carroll, may not be interested in developing a rookie quarterback. Darnold, at just 27, is coming off the best season of his career, making him a strong candidate.
Although Darnold is not a perfect solution, he could offer the Raiders a respectable quarterback in a division that includes heavyweights like Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix. With talent like Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers already on the roster, surrounding Darnold with strong weapons would be an achievable goal.
Darnold’s 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings was impressive. He played all 17 games, completing 66.2% of his passes for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He also contributed 212 yards and a touchdown on the ground. At just 27, he still has potential as a long-term quarterback option.
As the Raiders head into the offseason, Darnold is one player to watch closely as a potential game-changing addition.
