Tom Brady’s Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly interested in Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold, adding intrigue to their QB situation.

The Las Vegas Raiders’ quarterback situation has been a topic of intrigue and speculation for years, and with the 2024-2025 NFL season on the horizon, there are signs that the franchise may be looking to make some major changes at the most important position on the field. One of the most surprising and recent rumors has emerged: Tom Brady’s involvement in the Las Vegas Raiders’ potential pursuit of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold.

Darnold, who has experienced his fair share of ups and downs in the NFL, is now being linked to the Raiders, a team that has spent the past few seasons trying to stabilize its quarterback position. The speculation that Brady—an NFL legend and now an influential figure in the Raiders’ organization—could play a role in the team’s decision-making adds another layer of complexity to the story. With a potential move for Darnold, the Raiders are signaling their intent to make bold moves in order to turn the page on their QB uncertainty and possibly set the stage for a more promising future.

This article will explore the various facets of this developing story: the state of the Raiders’ quarterback situation, Sam Darnold’s career, Tom Brady’s role in the Raiders’ decision-making, and what this potential move could mean for the team moving forward.

The Las Vegas Raiders’ Quarterback Situation: A History of Instability

The quarterback position has been a longstanding source of frustration for the Las Vegas Raiders. Since the days of legendary quarterback Ken Stabler in the 1970s, the team has cycled through a series of quarterbacks who have failed to provide the kind of consistency and leadership needed to propel the team to sustained success.

In the recent past, the Raiders have had a mixture of high-profile quarterbacks and journeymen, but no one has truly emerged as the long-term solution to the team’s issues under center. Derek Carr, who was drafted by the Raiders in 2014, was a steady presence for nearly a decade, but his inability to deliver in critical moments and lead the team deep into the playoffs led to his departure in 2023. Carr’s exit was a turning point for the organization, leaving the Raiders in search of a new direction.

Following Carr’s departure, the Raiders turned to veteran quarterbacks like Jimmy Garoppolo in hopes of finding someone who could step in and provide stability. Garoppolo, who had shown promise during his time with the San Francisco 49ers, was signed by the Raiders to be their starting quarterback for the 2024 season. However, injuries and inconsistency have plagued Garoppolo’s career, and there was no guarantee that he would be able to lead the team back to playoff contention.

The Raiders’ front office, led by general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels, have made it clear that they are not satisfied with merely being competitive. With a young and talented roster that includes stars like Davante Adams, Maxx Crosby, and Josh Jacobs, the Raiders’ leadership believes they are close to becoming legitimate Super Bowl contenders. However, they know that the quarterback position is the key to unlocking their potential.

This search for stability at the quarterback position has led to several offseason rumors, including the recent connection to Sam Darnold. As the Raiders continue their pursuit of a franchise quarterback, many are wondering if Darnold could be the answer, especially if Tom Brady has any say in the matter.

Sam Darnold’s Career: A Look at the Former No. 3 Overall Pick

Sam Darnold entered the NFL with high expectations. Drafted by the New York Jets with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Darnold was viewed as a potential franchise quarterback. The Jets hoped he would become the next face of their franchise, and the pressure was on from day one. However, Darnold’s time with the Jets was a rollercoaster of inconsistent play, injuries, and missed opportunities.

In his first few seasons with the Jets, Darnold showed flashes of promise, particularly with his ability to make impressive throws and move the ball downfield. However, his decision-making and accuracy remained inconsistent, and he struggled to develop chemistry with his wide receivers. The Jets, a team that has also been plagued by quarterback instability, could not afford to wait for Darnold’s development. After three seasons with the Jets, Darnold was traded to the Carolina Panthers, where he hoped to restart his career.

Unfortunately, his time with the Panthers was similarly disappointing. Darnold was unable to establish himself as a reliable starter in Carolina, and the Panthers ultimately moved on from him. By the time the 2024 season rolled around, it seemed like Darnold’s NFL future was in jeopardy. That’s when the Minnesota Vikings came calling, offering him a chance to join their quarterback room as a backup to Kirk Cousins.

Despite his struggles, Darnold has always been known for his raw arm talent and mobility. His physical tools have never been in question, and many scouts and analysts believe that, with the right system and coaching, Darnold still has the potential to become a solid starting quarterback in the NFL. Now, as he continues his career with the Vikings, Darnold finds himself back in the spotlight with rumors swirling that the Raiders are interested in him.

Tom Brady’s Role in the Raiders’ Decision-Making Process

One of the most intriguing aspects of this potential move for Darnold is the involvement of Tom Brady. The seven-time Super Bowl champion is not only an icon of the NFL but also a key figure in the Raiders’ organization since he became a minority owner in 2024. Brady’s influence within the franchise is likely to be significant, and it’s possible that his experience and insight could shape the team’s quarterback strategy going forward.

Brady is a known advocate for quarterbacks with strong physical tools, and his success in the NFL was built on his ability to make quick, decisive decisions and maximize the talents of his teammates. Brady’s role in helping develop and mentor quarterbacks, whether it was with his fellow New England Patriots or in his brief time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is well-documented. His involvement in the Raiders’ front office could be invaluable as they search for a quarterback capable of leading the team to a championship.

Brady’s support of Sam Darnold could be part of a larger strategy to help Darnold reach his potential in the right system. Brady has been a staunch advocate of surrounding quarterbacks with the right tools and support, and perhaps he sees the same potential in Darnold that others have previously overlooked. With Brady now in the mix, the Raiders could be more inclined to take a chance on a quarterback who has shown flashes of talent but has yet to live up to his early promise.

If Brady plays a significant role in Darnold’s potential acquisition, it could have major implications for the Raiders’ quarterback depth chart. The Raiders may be able to bring in Darnold at a relatively low cost and give him an opportunity to compete for the starting job. Brady’s influence could be just the catalyst Darnold needs to tap into his vast potential and become the player he was once expected to be.

What Sam Darnold Could Bring to the Raiders

Sam Darnold’s arrival in Las Vegas would likely be viewed as a low-risk, high-reward move. With Garoppolo under contract but facing a lack of consistency, Darnold could offer a potential alternative in the event that Garoppolo struggles or is injured again. His arm strength and ability to make deep throws could give the Raiders another dimension on offense, especially with a wide receiver corps led by Davante Adams.

Moreover, Darnold would bring a competitive edge to the Raiders’ quarterback room. With both Garoppolo and Darnold in the mix, the Raiders would have two quarterbacks with different skill sets competing for the starting role. Garoppolo, who is known for his quick release and accuracy, could be challenged by Darnold’s athleticism and big-play ability. The competition could bring out the best in both players, which would benefit the team as a whole.

While Darnold’s track record has been inconsistent, he has proven that he can still perform at a high level when surrounded by the right coaching and offensive system. The Raiders’ offensive coordinator and coaching staff would need to work closely with Darnold to develop his skills and improve his decision-making. If they can unlock his potential, Darnold could become a valuable asset for the Raiders’ future.

What This Means for the Raiders Moving Forward

Bringing in Sam Darnold would signal that the Raiders are continuing their search for a long-term solution at quarterback. While Garoppolo’s signing was seen as a step in the right direction, the Raiders may ultimately feel that a higher ceiling exists in Darnold, especially if Brady’s mentorship can help him turn the corner.

The quarterback position is the most critical factor for success in the NFL, and the Raiders know that in order to contend with the best teams in the AFC, they need to have an elite quarterback under center. If Darnold is able to tap into his potential and develop into a reliable starter, the Raiders could have a formidable quarterback for years to come.

Ultimately, the combination of Tom Brady’s influence, the opportunity for Darnold to learn from experienced quarterbacks, and the Raiders’ commitment to building a championship-caliber roster could make this a perfect situation for the young quarterback. With an offense full of weapons and a defense that has shown flashes of brilliance, Darnold could be the missing piece that takes the Raiders to the next level.