As speculation surrounding the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback situation continues, Sam Darnold’s future with the team appears increasingly uncertain. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Las Vegas Raiders could pursue Darnold if he enters free agency.
“The one team I would watch with Sam Darnold moving forward would be the Las Vegas Raiders,” Schefter told Mike Greenberg on Sunday, February 9, ahead of Super Bowl 2025 between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. “I think at some point in time, they’re likely to have some interest in trying to bring Sam Darnold to Las Vegas.”
As developments unfold regarding the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback situation, Sam Darnold’s future with the team appears increasingly uncertain. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Sunday, February 9, that the Las Vegas Raiders could pursue Darnold if he becomes a free agent.
“The one team I would watch with Sam Darnold moving forward would be the Las Vegas Raiders,” Schefter told Mike Greenberg ahead of Super Bowl 2025 between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. “I think at some point in time, they’re likely to have some interest in trying to bring Sam Darnold to Las Vegas.”
Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy is expected to resume football drills in the coming weeks and “should be ready to roll by OTAs in May,” according to a report from Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Re-signing Sam Darnold to a lucrative extension while keeping McCarthy could limit Minnesota’s ability to rebuild its roster through free agency due to financial constraints and the draft, as the Vikings currently hold only four total picks. The team is expected to address needs on the offensive line and in the secondary if it hopes to replicate or come close to last season’s 14-win campaign.
Unless the Vikings use the franchise tag, there’s a real possibility that Darnold departs despite throwing for over 4,300 yards and 35 touchdowns during his age-27 season. If that happens, Minnesota will likely look for a veteran quarterback to back up or compete with McCarthy.
Rapoport and Pelissero suggest Daniel Jones as a leading candidate after spending the latter half of the season with the Vikings following his release by the New York Giants in the first year of his $160 million contract extension. Another potential option is four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, who will not return to the New York Jets next season. However, Rodgers is expected to seek a better starting opportunity, which could make Minnesota a less appealing destination as free agency begins.