The top three teams to pursue in 2025 NFL free agency for Sam Darnold

As the 2025 NFL free agency period looms, one of the more intriguing and uncertain situations in the league is the future of Sam Darnold. Once the third overall pick in the 2018 draft, Darnold’s career has been marked by highs, lows, and unfulfilled potential. He has bounced around teams, first with the New York Jets, then with the Carolina Panthers, and most recently with the San Francisco 49ers. However, despite flashes of talent, he has yet to solidify himself as a starting quarterback in the NFL.

Darnold’s free agency in 2025 will be an important juncture in his career. While he may not be viewed as a starting-caliber quarterback for many teams, his potential as a high-upside backup, a developmental player, or even a possible starter for the right system will make him an attractive option for several teams. His best fit could come with a franchise looking for a developmental quarterback to either challenge an established starter or serve as insurance in case of injury.

This article will explore the top three teams that are most likely to pursue Sam Darnold in 2025 free agency, based on their quarterback needs, roster dynamics, and long-term outlook.

1. Las Vegas Raiders: A Fresh Start in the Desert

The Las Vegas Raiders are one of the teams in the NFL that could be a perfect landing spot for Sam Darnold in 2025. The Raiders have had a tumultuous few seasons at the quarterback position, particularly after the departure of long-time starter Derek Carr. Despite signing Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year deal in 2024, it’s clear that the Raiders’ quarterback situation remains in flux. Garoppolo, though competent, is often injured, and his limitations in the passing game have been exposed at times. As a result, the Raiders might seek to upgrade at quarterback, either through the draft or via free agency.

Why Sam Darnold Fits in Las Vegas

The Raiders are in need of a young quarterback with upside to either develop into a starter or provide depth behind Garoppolo. While Garoppolo is entrenched as the team’s current starter, his injury history could make him unreliable in the long term, especially given his inability to stay healthy in recent years. In addition, the Raiders are transitioning to a new era under head coach Josh McDaniels, and the franchise needs a quarterback who can provide some flexibility, whether as a starter or a developmental backup.

Darnold, who has shown flashes of talent in the past, could be a good fit here. The Raiders’ offense, featuring weapons like Davante Adams, Josh Jacobs, and Hunter Renfrow, could help bring the best out of Darnold. He is a quarterback who has the arm strength and mobility to succeed in a pass-heavy system like McDaniels’ offensive scheme, which is based on quick decision-making and timing routes. If Darnold can develop consistency and confidence, he could thrive in this environment.

Additionally, McDaniels is known for working with quarterbacks and could see the potential in Darnold, especially in a system that emphasizes quick throws and efficient decision-making. Darnold’s athleticism and ability to make plays outside the pocket would also be appealing to McDaniels, who has worked with quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Mac Jones in New England and could help Darnold develop further.

Raiders’ Quarterback Situation in 2025

As of 2025, Jimmy Garoppolo will still be under contract with the Raiders, but the Raiders will need to decide if they want to make Garoppolo their long-term answer. If Garoppolo doesn’t pan out or suffers further injuries, Darnold could be an option as a backup or even a potential starter if he shows enough in training camp. Furthermore, the Raiders may decide to draft a quarterback in 2025, and Darnold could offer a solid bridge option to mentor a rookie while competing for the starting role himself.

In Las Vegas, Darnold has a chance to start fresh, learn from experienced quarterbacks, and rebuild his career in a new environment. The Raiders’ offensive system is in need of a quarterback who can succeed, and Darnold could fit that bill as a reclamation project with the right coaching and system in place.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rebuilding with a High-Upside Quarterback

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers find themselves in a unique position as they look to navigate the post-Tom Brady era. Following Brady’s departure in 2023, the Buccaneers entered a rebuilding phase but still have many key pieces, particularly on defense and offense, that keep them competitive. However, the team’s quarterback situation has been unstable, with Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask both failing to provide the consistency needed to lead the team back to the playoffs.

In 2025, the Bucs will likely be in the market for a quarterback to either develop or potentially compete for the starting job. Darnold, with his former first-round pedigree, is a player that could intrigue Tampa Bay. The team needs a quarterback with upside, someone who can step in if Mayfield and Trask don’t pan out or if they decide to start fresh in 2025 with a new face under center.

Why Sam Darnold Fits in Tampa Bay

Darnold would be an interesting addition to the Buccaneers, especially given their rebuilding efforts and the need for long-term stability at the position. Tampa Bay has good offensive weapons in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Rashad White, and their offensive line, though aging, is still capable of providing solid protection. These elements could help a quarterback like Darnold succeed, especially if he is in a system that allows him to utilize his strengths—his mobility, ability to push the ball downfield, and arm strength.

The Bucs have been a quarterback carousel for several years, but they also have a solid coaching staff under head coach Todd Bowles and offensive coordinator Dave Canales, who have a chance to mold a young quarterback into something more. Sam Darnold’s potential has never been in question; the issue has always been about consistency, decision-making, and his ability to fit into a system. If the Bucs can develop Darnold into a more efficient quarterback, he could be the long-term solution they need, especially if they decide not to pursue a high draft pick at quarterback.

Darnold could be a cost-effective option for the Buccaneers, and the team could bring him in to either compete for the starting role or sit behind a veteran if they sign one in the 2025 offseason. Either way, Darnold would be given the chance to develop and possibly earn a starting role in Tampa Bay’s rebuild.

Bucs’ Quarterback Situation in 2025

In 2025, the Buccaneers’ quarterback room could look very different. If Baker Mayfield struggles again or does not return, and Kyle Trask does not emerge as a viable option, the Bucs will be in the market for a quarterback. Darnold could be a low-risk, high-reward option as a backup with starter potential. He has been through some of the highs and lows of his career and could be an ideal reclamation project for the Buccaneers as they continue their post-Brady transition.

3. Tennessee Titans: A Fit for a Veteran Backup or Developmental Quarterback

The Tennessee Titans have been a competitive team in the AFC under head coach Mike Vrabel, but they have faced consistent struggles at the quarterback position. Ryan Tannehill, once a stabilizing force for the team, is no longer playing at a high level, and the Titans have been hesitant to hand over the reins to Malik Willis, who has shown significant growing pains since being drafted in 2022.

In 2025, the Titans will likely be in the market for a quarterback, whether through the draft or free agency. Darnold, who has more experience than Willis, could be a good fit as a backup who can step in if Tannehill struggles or gets injured. Additionally, if the Titans want to continue developing Willis, Darnold could serve as a veteran mentor, guiding the young quarterback through the ups and downs of being an NFL starter.

Why Sam Darnold Fits in Tennessee

Darnold’s fit in Tennessee would likely be as a backup quarterback or a mentor for the future of the franchise, whether it be Willis or another young signal-caller. While the Titans have more pressing needs in their offensive line and wide receiver corps, adding a quarterback who has potential to start and could provide stability in the event of an injury or underperformance by Tannehill makes sense.

Additionally, Darnold’s familiarity with different offensive systems could allow him to adapt to Tennessee’s run-heavy offense, led by Derrick Henry. Darnold has the athleticism to extend plays outside of the pocket and could complement Henry in play-action situations, making him an intriguing backup option. A year or two under the guidance of Vrabel and offensive coordinator Tim Kelly could help Darnold develop into a serviceable starter or a key backup in Tennessee’s long-term plans.

Titans’ Quarterback Situation in 2025

Tannehill’s time in Tennessee is likely coming to an end, and the Titans

need a long-term solution at quarterback. Darnold could fit in as a backup or competition option, either serving as a bridge quarterback for the team or as a mentor to Malik Willis. If Darnold shows improvement and consistency, he could even compete for the starting role.

 Darnold’s Best Fits in 2025 Free Agency

As Sam Darnold enters free agency in 2025, several teams could be interested in bringing him on board to either compete for a starting job or provide depth at quarterback. The Raiders, Buccaneers, and Titans all present unique opportunities for Darnold, depending on his development and the system he plays in.

The ultimate question for Darnold will be whether he can put together a consistent, high-level performance and show he’s worthy of being more than just a backup quarterback. If he can do that, his future in the NFL could still be bright, and he could find a home as a starting quarterback or a key contributor on a championship-contending roster.