The Las Vegas Raiders have ushered in a new era with Pete Carroll as head coach and Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator. Their next priority is addressing the quarterback position. Aidan O’Connell remains on an affordable rookie contract heading into his third season, making it likely he stays. However, Gardner Minshew had an inconsistent season, battled injuries, and faces an uncertain future—especially if the Raiders acquire a quarterback through the draft or free agency.
Holding the No. 6 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, the Raiders will likely reveal their quarterback strategy well before then, as free agency opens in mid-March. One of the top available options is Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. The Vikings could place the franchise tag on Darnold, keeping him for 2025 or potentially trading him after a standout season in which he threw for over 4,300 yards and 35 touchdowns, leading Minnesota to 14 wins. However, if the Vikings prioritize tagging a defensive player, such as cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., Darnold could hit the open market.
Las Vegas has been frequently linked to Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, with both parties expressing mutual interest. However, for the Raiders to land him, he would have to slip past at least three teams—the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants, who hold the top three picks. Given that uncertainty, ESPN’s Matt Bowen identified Darnold as an ideal fit for Las Vegas.
“The Raiders could finally address their quarterback concerns by signing Darnold,” Bowen wrote on Feb. 18. “Las Vegas ranked 30th in QBR in 2024 (40.4), while Darnold’s 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns for the Vikings both ranked fifth in the league. With the Raiders, Kelly could design an offense that capitalizes on Darnold’s arm strength and mobility.”