Best Free Agency Fits For Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Sam Darnold: Las Vegas Raiders?

After having a career-reviving year this season, former USC Trojans and current Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is potentially looking for a new home. Darnold won 14 games and was named to the Pro Bowl this season after throwing for career-highs in 2024.

When former USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold was drafted with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, the expectations were through the roof. Although Darnold failed to live up to the hype with Jets, the talent was still there.

After signing a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings over the 2024 offseason, Darnold was thrusted into the starting role when rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy injured his knee during offseason workouts. Darnold blew by his career-highs in a lot of statistical categories this past season, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns with 12 interceptions.

With McCarthy expected to be back in the fold in Minnesota, it puts the Vikings into a predicament of what to do with Darnold, who was arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the NFC this season.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN said that Darnold has a couple of options on the table for his future, including staying with Minnesota.

“While the Vikings are open to Sam Darnold returning, I continue to hear they won’t mortgage the future to keep him. There’s not much momentum coming out of the combine that the Vikings will franchise tag Darnold, who should have multiple suitors if available,” Fowler said.

However, with multiple teams searching for a quarterback in the free agent market this offseason, it makes Darnold a hot commodity. Especially with the quarterback talent in the 2025 NFL Draft not being as strong as years prior.