The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2024 season was a disaster, culminating in owner Mark Davis firing head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco.
While the two leaders weren’t solely responsible for the team’s struggles, the Raiders’ glaring issues at quarterback were a major factor in their disappointing year. Veteran Gardner Minshew began the season as the starter, but inconsistent play and injuries forced Pierce to turn to Aidan O’Connell midway through the campaign. Now, for the second straight offseason, the Raiders are searching for a solution at the game’s most critical position.
The Raiders have several options to address their quarterback dilemma. They could trade up in the 2025 NFL Draft to target a top prospect like Shedeur Sanders or explore the free agency market for a veteran bridge option. One name gaining traction is Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, who is expected to draw significant interest this offseason. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Raiders are likely to be among the teams pursuing Darnold in free agency.
“Maybe the marquee quarterback this offseason is Sam Darnold, the Minnesota Vikings quarterback,” Schefter reported. “The Vikings have said they’d like to bring him back, but that is not gonna be cheap. The franchise tag remains an option, and one team that I would watch with Sam Darnold moving forward would be the Las Vegas Raiders. I think at some point in time, they’re likely to have some interest in trying to bring Sam Darnold to Las Vegas. We’ll see if they can make that happen.”
Darnold, despite a tough outing in the Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams, had a career-best season in Minnesota, positioning himself for a lucrative payday. While his struggles under pressure are well-documented, Darnold possesses a strong arm, quick decision-making skills, and enough mobility to extend plays. For a Raiders team looking to remain competitive in 2025, signing Darnold could be a sensible short-term solution, provided the contract isn’t overly burdensome.
Meanwhile, the Raiders are also working to ensure star defensive end Maxx Crosby remains with the team. Crosby has expressed frustration with the franchise’s instability in recent years, but new minority owner Tom Brady is reportedly making efforts to keep the All-Pro pass rusher in Las Vegas. Brady’s involvement could be crucial in retaining Crosby, who has been a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense despite the team’s struggles.
As the Raiders navigate a pivotal offseason, their decisions at quarterback and their ability to retain key players like Crosby will shape their trajectory for 2025 and beyond.
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