According to recent reports, the Las Vegas Raiders are interested in signing former USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold who is set to become a free agent. Will the Minnesota Vikings move on from Darnold and hand the offense over to J.J. McCarthy?
After a stellar campaign with the Minnesota Vikings, quarterback Sam Darnold is set to become a free agent when the market officially opens in March.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently reported that the Las Vegas Raiders are interested in the former USC Trojans quarterback in an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
I think the Raiders are going to make a play for Sam Darnold,” said Schefter. “I think Sam Darnold’s a candidate to be the Raiders quarterback. Let’s see whether Minnesota lets him go or not, but let’s see if that works out with Sam Darnold lining up in Vegas.”
Feb 1, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws the ball during NFC Practice for the Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Raiders were mentioned as a potential destination for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, suggesting a pairing between Rodgers and Las Vegas limited owner Tom Brady. However, Schefter was quick to shut down that idea, instead suggesting Darnold as the quarterback the Raiders will sign in free agency.
The former USC Trojans leader had the best season of his career with Minnesota and Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, and he figures to be one of the top free agents available. Will Minnesota try to re-sign Darnold? The Vikings will also have to decide between signing Darnold and entrusting the offense to J.J. McCarthy after drafting him with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Raiders, on the other hand, have undergone numerous changes in the offseason, beginning with the hiring of coach Pete Carroll, another former Trojan. Carroll’s coaching staff is highlighted by offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, the highest-paid coordinator in the NFL earning an average of $6 million annually. The Raiders have shown a clear investment in the future with the hirings of Kelly as well as defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
Will they continue to invest and sign Darnold?