Sam Darnold, the third pick in the 2018 NFL draft, showcased his exceptional arm talent in the 2024 season, making him a hot commodity in the NFL free agency market. Despite facing setbacks during the season, Darnold’s performance was impressive, throwing for 4,319 yards with 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His tremendous season has positioned him as a strong contender for a multi-year contract, with teams like the Raiders showing interest in securing his talents.
Darnold's journey in the 2024 season was marked by resilience and adaptability. Although he was initially benched for second-year pro Trey Lance in San Francisco, Darnold started 10 games after Lance got injured and performed admirably. However, his two most challenging games occurred during a Week 18 loss to the Lions and a wild-card loss to the Rams. At just 27 years old, Darnold remains a young and promising quarterback with a bright future ahead.
The Raiders, with a projected cap space of $73.2 million for 2025, have the financial flexibility to sign Darnold to a front-loaded deal. Such a contract would likely include team options, providing the Raiders with an opportunity to assess Darnold's fit over a two-year trial period. The Raiders' interest in Darnold stems from his statistically similar performance to other notable quarterbacks like Teddy Bridgewater and Jimmy Garoppolo before they entered the market.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings appear committed to J.J. McCarthy, making it unlikely that Darnold will join their roster. However, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had contemplated the possibility of Darnold playing his way into a multiyear contract before the season began. The Vikings' focus on McCarthy leaves room for other teams to explore Darnold's potential as a valuable addition to their lineup.
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