A Season of Struggles: The Raiders’ Quest for Stability
The Las Vegas Raiders have been treading water in recent years, with only one playoff appearance in their last eight seasons. The team’s most glaring issue has been a revolving door at the quarterback position, which has stunted their progress. In 2024, the Raiders cycled through a trio of quarterbacks: Gardner Minshew, Desmond Ridder, and Aidan O’Connell. Each had their moments, but none provided the consistent, reliable play needed to elevate the team to a new level. With a new leadership team in place—head coach Pete Carroll and minority owner Tom Brady—the Raiders are poised to address this critical need either through free agency or the draft.
A New Regime with a New Vision
Under the leadership of Pete Carroll and Tom Brady, the Raiders are set to undergo a significant transformation. Carroll, known for his success with the Seattle Seahawks, brings a wealth of experience and a proven system for developing and grooming quarterbacks. Brady, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, adds an unparalleled perspective and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at the position. This dynamic duo is expected to bring a sense of stability and a clear vision for the future of the franchise, starting with the quarterback position.
The Darnold Dilemma
Jacob Camenker of USA TODAY has identified Sam Darnold, the Pro Bowl quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, as the Raiders’ most likely solution to their quarterback woes. Darnold, a former No. 3 overall draft pick, is expected to hit the free agent market this March. Camenker predicts that the Raiders will prioritize signing Darnold, with a potential three-year deal worth around $123.75 million. Darnold’s 2024 season was his best yet, under the guidance of head coach Kevin O’Connell, but his performance in Minnesota’s final two games was a significant setback. Despite this, Darnold’s track record and potential make him an attractive option for the Raiders.
Competing for Darnold
The Raiders will face stiff competition for Darnold, particularly from the Vikings themselves. Kevin O’Connell played a crucial role in Darnold’s development, and the Vikings have a formidable supporting cast that includes Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones, and T.J. Hockenson. However, the Vikes may be hesitant to pay Darnold a salary north of $40 million per year. Instead, they might explore a shorter-term contract to keep him ahead of J.J. McCarthy on the depth chart for at least another year. The Raiders, with the second-most projected cap space in the NFL, are well-positioned to offer Darnold a lucrative contract and build a strong supporting cast around him.
Building a Strong Foundation
While signing Darnold would be a significant step forward, the Raiders will need to address other areas to ensure long-term success. The team’s rushing attack was the worst in the league in 2024, and they will need to bolster their ground game to take pressure off the quarterback. Additionally, building around superstar tight end Brock Bowers at the skill positions will be crucial. Bowers, a dynamic talent, will be a key piece in the Raiders’ offensive puzzle, and adding more weapons to support him would make signing Darnold a worthwhile investment.
Looking Ahead: A Comprehensive Plan
While Darnold is a clear and obvious upgrade over the Raiders’ current quarterbacks, there are no guarantees. Darnold has never won a playoff game in his seven-year pro career and struggled in Minnesota’s wild-card round loss to the Los Angeles Rams. However, his potential and recent performance make him a compelling free agent option. The Raiders would be wise to double down by adding another young quarterback behind Darnold, possibly through this year’s draft, to ensure they have a true succession plan in place. With a comprehensive approach to building the team, the Raiders can break their playoff drought and establish themselves as a formidable force in the NFL.
