LAS VEGAS RAIDERS EYEING SAM DARNOLD AS POTENTIAL QUARTERBACK ADDITION
The Las Vegas Raiders are making moves to revamp their quarterback room for the upcoming 2024 season. With plans to part ways with Jimmy Garoppolo and the potential retirement of Brian Hoyer, the team is left with Aidan O’Connell as their only option. However, sources suggest that the Raiders are looking to bring in a veteran quarterback to provide competition for O’Connell.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr, the Raiders are considering signing San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold. Orr believes that Darnold’s experience in the Kyle Shanahan system has boosted his value and potential. Despite his struggles, Darnold has shown flashes of brilliance, especially when throwing on the move. The Raiders’ offensive coordinator, Luke Getsy, has a solid background in the Shanahan offense, making Darnold a potential fit for the team.
Darnold, who was drafted as the No. 3 pick by the New York Jets in 2018, has had a rocky career in the NFL. Although he spent the last season with the 49ers, he only managed to start one game, resulting in a loss. Throughout his six seasons in the league, Darnold has never thrown for more than 20 touchdown passes. In fact, he currently holds the second-highest interception percentage (2.9%) among quarterbacks who have played over 20 games since 2021.
Despite these challenges, Darnold’s potential has not gone unnoticed. At 26 years old, standing at 6-foot-3 with a strong arm, he possesses the physical attributes that teams desire in quarterbacks. However, he has yet to fully showcase his abilities on a consistent basis. In comparison, Raiders rookie Aidan O’Connell had a lower interception percentage (2.0%) in the 2023 season, surpassing any season Darnold has had in his career.
As Darnold enters the next phase of his career, there will likely be a team willing to take a chance on the former USC star. His time with coach Kyle Shanahan has provided an opportunity for growth, but it remains to be seen if Darnold can overcome his previous struggles. The Las Vegas Raiders could be the team to provide him with that chance.
Exciting times are ahead as the Raiders consider adding Sam Darnold to their roster, bringing new hope to their quarterback position.
RAIDERS FIND POTENTIAL BACKUP QUARTERBACK IN SAM DARNOLD
As the Raiders discovered last season, having a reliable backup quarterback is crucial. Fortunately, Aidan O’Connell stepped up and delivered wins when it became clear that Jimmy Garoppolo wasn’t the answer. Now, if the plan is to bring in Sam Darnold as a backup, the Raiders could do a lot worse.
Darnold, who has started in 56 games, still has plenty of potential despite being only a year younger than O’Connell. He may have played in the NFL for five more seasons, but he’s still young enough to make an impact. With a quarterback room consisting of a rookie, O’Connell, and Darnold, the Raiders would have a trio of quarterbacks with promising futures. While some, like Antonio Pierce, may prefer a more experienced veteran like Russell Wilson, that scenario seems unlikely.
If the goal is simply to sign a veteran backup who can compete with O’Connell and a potential rookie, Darnold would be a logical addition. His experience and skill set would provide valuable competition and depth for the team.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Las Vegas Raiders and their quarterback situation.
According to the Source heavy.com