Silver Minings: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Raiders are interested in Sam Darnold

The Las Vegas Raiders need a quarterback and Sam Darnold is at the top of the free agent class

The Las Vegas Raiders are looking for their future quarterback after striking out last season. They didn't trade up to secure Jayden Daniels but tried to win with Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew. This led to the firing of the previous tandem of Tom Telesco and Antonio Pierce.

Telesco did have a good draft that set up the Raiders for success with a new quarterback. Finding three offensive starters in the first three picks gives a quarterback a foundation with which to grow. Also, having a veteran of Jakobi Meyers and the speed of Tre Tucker, the Raider's offense can improve with an enhanced running game.

Before they can go to the draft, they might decide to hit the free-agent market for a quarterback. Last year, there was a whiff with Minshew, but according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, there is interest in Sam Darnold.

Darnold had a career season helping the Vikings go 14-3 but had an ugly wildcard exit. The Raiders would hope he could build on that season heading into 2025. Of course, the biggest issue with Darnold is price. Are the Raiders willing to spend big money on a one-year wonder at quarterback? It hasn’t worked out historically for them, but it might happen again.

In other Raiders News:

• Will the Raiders trade Maxx Crosby: Still only 27, Crosby has said before he wants to be a ”Raider for life” and has been loyal to the organization. He also has been open about his frustrations with the team’s seemingly endless string of changes and mounting losses.
• The Raiders expected to spend big in free agency: “The Las Vegas Raiders have some work to do this offseason off the back of a four win season, with Pete Carroll expected to make a multitude of changes after joining as head coach”
• Tape Don’t Lie draft breakdown: Check out the newest breakdown of Devin Neal and Dillion Gabriel from Tape Don’t Lie.