Sam Darnold will likely play elsewhere in 2025. The Minnesota Vikings will likely move forward with their 2024 first-round pick, J.J. McCarthy. That means Darnold will be signing with a quarterback-needy team that believes they can get similar production from him next year.
Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team recently wrote an article discussing where the top available free-agent quarterbacks will wind up in 2025. He believes the Las Vegas Raiders are Darnold’s most likely landing spot.
Darnold will certainly be careful when considering his next team because this might be his last shot as a clear starter. But the Raiders make a lot of sense, especially after hiring Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly to run the offense. The Raiders want to be competitive right away, and they have some intriguing players on offense, including Brock Bowers. They certainly don’t have the overall talent of the Vikings, but with cap space and the No. 6 pick, they could improve the offensive weapons and line around Darnold rather quickly.
Referring to the Raiders as a potentially “stable situation” does feel odd, but Carroll may be the head coach who calms things down for them. Perhaps Darnold finds playing for a former coach of his alma mater appealing.
Mosher also mentions the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts as potential suitors. The Titans hold the No. 1 overall pick in the draft but could opt to go best player available and have Darnold replace Will Levis.
Shane Steichen is entering his third season with the Colts, and he may feel pressure to make a playoff run in 2025. Does he feel confident Anthony Richardson takes the next step? Or would Darnold be a better option?
We’re less than a month away from a resolution on the Darnold front. But the Raiders feel like an ideal landing spot for him.