With the deadline for franchise or transition player tags looming this Tuesday at 3:00 PM Central time, speculation surrounds the future of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. While the Vikings have not publicly suggested using the tag on Darnold, reports indicate potential interest from another team.
NFL Rumors: Las Vegas Raiders, Pete Carroll will work to make a move to acquire the quarterback from the Vikings
According to veteran NFL insider Tony Pauline, the Las Vegas Raiders, under new head coach Pete Carroll, are reportedly considering acquiring Darnold. Pauline cites sources “close to Darnold” who suggest that the Raiders may attempt to secure him from the Vikings before he reaches free agency, particularly after Matthew Stafford’s decision to remain with the Los Angeles Rams.
It’s important to acknowledge that this information arrives during the NFL’s “silly season,” necessitating a degree of skepticism. However, if the Vikings, who currently hold only four picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, wish to gain assets this year rather than waiting for a potential 2026 compensatory third-round pick, exploring a trade with the Raiders or another team could be advantageous.
Darnold is widely regarded as the most prominent quarterback available in this year’s free agency. Given the generally lukewarm assessment of this year’s quarterback draft class, this situation presents the Vikings with an opportunity to potentially secure value for Darnold by engaging with a quarterback-needy team.
The Raiders were a top player in the Matthew Stafford sweepstakes. Much fervor was stirred when disputed reports contradicted accounts of Raiders minority owner Tom Brady’s effort to recruit the 37-year-old QB to Vegas.
While the new regime has plenty of work to do to get the roster up to snuff, quarterback has emerged as the team’s top priority.