Las Vegas Raiders Urged to Offer Sam Darnold $124 Million Contract: A Strategic Move in the QB Market
As the NFL offseason heats up, the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves at a critical juncture in their pursuit of a new quarterback, and recent developments have placed a potential star under their radar: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. With head coach Pete Carroll now at the helm and a new offensive coordinator in Chip Kelly, the Raiders are exploring their options, and many experts are advising the team to go big with a bold financial offer to secure Darnold’s services. This potential move could fundamentally alter the trajectory of the franchise as they look to build a winning team.
The Raiders’ quarterback situation has been a topic of ongoing concern for years, and the team has struggled to find consistency at the position. With the departure of Derek Carr and the team’s inability to land a top-tier signal-caller in the draft, the Raiders are expected to make a significant push for a veteran QB this offseason. Darnold, who is set to become a free agent following a strong 2024 season with the Vikings, could be the answer that Las Vegas has been searching for.
A Strong 2024 Season for Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold’s performance in 2024 was a significant turning point in his career. The quarterback, once considered a bust after his tumultuous tenure with the New York Jets, found new life under Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. Darnold threw for a career-high 35 touchdowns during the season, leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record, securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and cementing his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
For many, the 2024 campaign showcased Darnold’s ability to perform at the highest level, and it seemed as though he had finally unlocked his potential. His accuracy, decision-making, and ability to make plays in key moments were standout features, and he significantly improved his deep ball and overall efficiency. Darnold’s revival raised his stock immensely, and with several teams in need of a starting quarterback, his impending free agency became a major talking point across the NFL.
However, while his regular season performance was impressive, Darnold’s postseason struggles have raised questions. In two crucial games—the final week of the regular season against the Detroit Lions, which had massive playoff implications, and a disappointing playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams—Darnold faltered, throwing costly interceptions and failing to lead the Vikings to victory. These two underwhelming performances have led some to wonder whether Darnold can perform when the stakes are highest.
Despite these setbacks, many believe Darnold’s overall body of work in 2024 is more than enough to warrant a lucrative contract, and that’s where the Raiders enter the conversation.
A Bold Proposal: Three-Year, $124 Million Deal
As the quarterback market begins to take shape, Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team suggested that the Las Vegas Raiders should offer Sam Darnold a three-year, $124 million contract—equating to $41.3 million per year. This is a significant investment in a quarterback who, while showing promise, still has some unanswered questions surrounding his consistency in high-pressure situations.
The reasoning behind the suggestion is clear. The Raiders, now under the leadership of Pete Carroll, are looking to win now. With a stacked division that includes the Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes, the Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert, and a potentially revamped Denver Broncos team under new management, the Raiders cannot afford to wait around for a rookie quarterback to develop. Carroll, who took the Seattle Seahawks to multiple Super Bowls and has a reputation for building successful teams quickly, is expected to prioritize immediate success.
Given the Raiders’ current roster, including key players like tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, the team could be in a strong position to compete in 2025 if they secure a capable quarterback. Sam Darnold, despite his past inconsistencies, represents an opportunity to bring stability to the most important position on the field. Darnold’s experience, combined with the right supporting cast, could make him a valuable asset in the Raiders’ pursuit of an AFC West title.
Should the Raiders Pay $124 Million for Darnold?
At first glance, the proposed $124 million contract for Darnold might seem steep, especially considering the quarterback’s mixed history. After all, Darnold was traded away from the Jets after a rocky start to his career, and many expected him to fade into mediocrity. His success in Minnesota, however, has brought him back into the spotlight, and his performance in 2024 solidified his place among the league’s top quarterbacks.
That said, the Raiders are making a substantial gamble if they offer him such a large contract. Darnold’s inconsistency, particularly in clutch moments, remains a concern. He has shown flashes of brilliance but has also experienced significant lows in key games. Additionally, the Raiders must consider whether paying top dollar for a quarterback with limited postseason success is wise, given their other roster needs.
If Darnold can continue his trajectory and prove that he can perform under pressure, his value will undoubtedly justify the large contract. But for now, it remains unclear if he is the long-term solution in Las Vegas, or if he is simply a stopgap measure in a division full of elite quarterbacks.
For the Raiders, the decision to pursue Darnold should be carefully weighed against other potential quarterbacks available via trade or free agency. With a relatively high pick in the 2025 NFL Draft (No. 6 overall), the Raiders may also have the opportunity to select a younger, more developmental quarterback, though this would risk a longer timeline for success.
Kevin O’Connell Hints at Darnold’s Return to Minnesota
While Sam Darnold has made a strong case for a fresh start elsewhere, the possibility of him returning to Minnesota still looms. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has expressed his admiration for Darnold’s development during the 2024 season, and hinted at the possibility of Darnold staying in Minnesota. O’Connell’s comments at the NFL Honors made it clear that he valued Darnold’s growth and contribution to the team, and the Vikings may not be ready to part with him just yet.
However, O’Connell later tempered his remarks, acknowledging that Darnold’s performance in 2024 earned him the right to test free agency. The Vikings are in a tough spot, as they must decide whether to keep Darnold as their franchise quarterback or allow him to explore other opportunities.
Given O’Connell’s comments, it’s possible that Darnold will have the option to test the open market, and with multiple teams, including the Raiders, in need of a quarterback, the bidding war for his services could get competitive. The question remains: will Darnold’s success in Minnesota be enough for him to secure a long-term deal there, or will he be lured to a new opportunity in Las Vegas?
The Raiders’ Future with Sam Darnold
As the Las Vegas Raiders continue their search for a franchise quarterback, Sam Darnold presents an intriguing, albeit risky, option. The team is clearly in win-now mode, and with Pete Carroll’s leadership and Chip Kelly’s offensive system, Darnold could thrive in an environment where he’s surrounded by talent and has the opportunity to play in a high-powered offense.
The proposed $124 million contract might be a significant financial commitment, but it’s one that could pay dividends if Darnold continues to build on his strong 2024 campaign. However, the Raiders must remain cautious and not overpay for a quarterback with a history of inconsistency.
Ultimately, Sam Darnold’s future is uncertain, and it’s unclear whether he’ll return to Minnesota, sign with the Raiders, or pursue another opportunity. One thing is for sure: his next contract will have a major impact on the landscape of the NFL, and the Raiders are undoubtedly one of the teams closely monitoring his situation. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Darnold’s decision, and whether he’s the quarterback who can finally bring stability to the Las Vegas Raiders.
