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The Las Vegas Raiders are on the hunt for a quarterback this offseason, and Tom Brady, the team's minority owner, is playing a central role in the search.
With the current quarterback depth chart looking thin-only Aidan O'Connell, a 2023 fourth-round pick, is locked into a roster spot for 2025-the Raiders are under pressure to find a new signal-caller.
Brady's influence is significant, especially after his involvement in helping the Raiders land their new head coach and general manager.
Draft limitations may push Raiders toward free agency
The Raiders are faced with a dilemma regarding their draft position. Holding the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they are likely out of range for top quarterback prospects such as Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward unless they can trade up. This limitation is prompting the Raiders to look beyond the draft for their next quarterback.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the free-agent market may offer the solution. On The Pat McAfee Show, Schefter indicated that the Raiders are likely to target veteran quarterback Sam Darnold if the Minnesota Vikings do not re-sign him.
"I think the Las Vegas Raiders are gonna make a play for Sam Darnold," Schefter said, adding that Darnold is a strong candidate for the Raiders' quarterback position. The Minnesota Vikings, who signed Darnold to a one-year deal last offseason, now face a quarterback dilemma.
Darnold, a former No. 3 overall pick, had a career-revitalizing season with the Vikings. He threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, with just 12 interceptions, helping Minnesota achieve a 14-3 regular-season record. However, the Vikings' playoff hopes ended in the first round, leaving questions about Darnold's long-term future in the Twin Cities.
With the Vikings also drafting quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the 2024 draft, there's a possibility that they'll choose to move forward with McCarthy as their franchise quarterback, especially as he recovers from a knee injury that kept him out his rookie year. Should Minnesota decide to part ways with Darnold, the Raiders could be waiting to pounce.
While Darnold had an impressive season, his struggles in the regular-season finale and playoff loss could lead Minnesota to explore other options. The Vikings could opt to franchise tag Darnold or offer him a long-term contract, but if they don't, the Raiders will be ready to pursue him.
If Darnold is retained in Minnesota, the Raiders will likely have to consider alternative quarterbacks. With Tom Brady's involvement in the decision-making process, the Raiders are committed to finding a leader to guide the team into 2025, whether through free agency or another route.