Quarterback Sam Darnold is poised to hit free agency after a solid season with the Minnesota Vikings, though his campaign ended on a less-than-ideal note. Despite the disappointing finish, Darnold demonstrated that he can still perform at a high level, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns with just 12 interceptions in 17 games. His last regular-season performance, however, left much to be desired, as he struggled in a must-win game for the NFC North title, completing only 18 of 41 passes for 166 yards. This was followed by another underwhelming performance in the NFC wild-card game, where he posted 245 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 25-of-40 passing.
Darnold’s future with the Vikings appears uncertain, especially after the team drafted quarterback J.J. McCarthy from Michigan in the first round last year, signaling a potential shift in their quarterback strategy. As he approaches free agency, one team that is reportedly eyeing him is the Las Vegas Raiders. ESPN’s Adam Schefter speculated on The Pat McAfee Show that the Raiders could make a move for Darnold, citing the possibility of him becoming a quarterback candidate for the team.
Should Sam Darnold part ways with Minnesota, the Raiders would be a natural fit for a conversation, given their ongoing search for stability at the quarterback position. Although his performance late in the season may have raised some concerns, his overall numbers this year suggest there is still significant potential. The market for Darnold this offseason will likely be intriguing, and if the Vikings let him go, it’s expected that several teams, including the Raiders, will express interest in securing his services. As free agency approaches, all eyes will be on where Darnold lands next.