The Las Vegas Raiders are again in quarterback limbo after Matthew Stafford selected to stay with the Los Angeles Rams and is formally tabled. Now, all eyes are on who will take over beneath middle as Tom Brady’s affect on the quarterback hunt as a part-owner grows stronger.
In accordance with Sports activities Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Sam Darnold could possibly be the identify to observe.
Sam Darnold May Be the Subsequent-Greatest QB Choices for the Raiders
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that, with Stafford off the board, the Raiders have shifted their consideration to a few major targets: Darnold, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields.
With Matthew Stafford remaining with the Rams, the New York Giants are investigating all veteran quarterback choices…..together with Aaron Rodgers, per sources. pic.twitter.com/qy3nzSdZy6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 28, 2025
SI’s Breer doubled down on the report whereas highlighting how the 27-year-old could possibly be a very good match.
“My sense is the Raiders are large open as effectively, however I’d regulate the concept that Sam Darnold could possibly be the play there — he’s, not less than on paper, a reasonably good match for Chip Kelly’s offense,” Breer wrote.
Additional on, he even in contrast Darnold’s potential function to Alex Smith’s early years in Kansas Metropolis, when he turned out to be a dependable veteran who may present stability whereas the workforce found out a long-term plan.
Darnold is coming off a formidable stint with the Minnesota Vikings the place he threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in what was arguably the perfect season of his profession. The resurgence has made him a sizzling commodity in free company, however questions stay about whether or not he can maintain that success in a brand new system.
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In the meantime, Wilson and Fields current completely different however intriguing alternate options. Wilson’s earlier relationship with new head coach Pete Carroll makes him a logical match, providing the sort of veteran expertise that would stabilize the Raiders’ offense. Then again, Fields brings extra dynamism along with his athleticism however stays unproven as a constant passer.
2024 QB+ Grade, Rating:
Darnold: 79.0, twelfth within the NFL amongst 39 certified names
Fields: 78.1, N/A (didn’t qualify for thresholds)
Wilson: 75.3, seventeenth
With uncertainty surrounding the 2025 NFL Draft, Las Vegas could really feel stress to make a decisive transfer in free company. In the meantime, Vic Tafur of The Athletic famous that the workforce has had a lukewarm response towards Darnold and different accessible quarterbacks, suggesting they could be hesitant to commit large cash to a free agent except they consider he’s a real long-term resolution.
Brady’s involvement in possession solely heightens the stakes. The Raiders can’t afford one other season of quarterback instability, and whereas none of those choices scream “franchise QB,” securing the suitable bridge choice can be crucial for his or her future.
