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ESPN Analyst Predicts Monstrous Las Vegas Raiders' Move in Free Agency

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Evan Massey | Last updated Mar 6, 2025 10:53 AM ET

The NFL offseason is underway and the Las Vegas Raiders are looking to be aggressive once again as they try to build back to being a serious playoff contender in the AFC.

With new head coach Pete Carroll leading the way, the quarterback position is one of the biggest question marks for the Raiders. Thankfully, there are quite a few options they could take a look at this offseason.

Las Vegas could choose to target a trade up in the 2025 NFL draft for Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. They could also look to sign a quarterback in free agency.

A new prediction has come out that would land the Raiders their new franchise quarterback.

ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky has predicted that Las Vegas will sign Minnesota Vikings free agent quarterback Sam Darnold.

"Quarterback Sam Darnold will sign with the Raiders," Orlovsky wrote. "He had a big 2024 season finishing fifth in the league in passing yards (4,319) and passing touchdowns (35), and the Raiders desperately need a signal-caller."

As shared by Orlovsky, Darnold is coming off of a big-time season for the Vikings. He proved that he is more than capable of powering an offense to the playoffs.

Darnold is just 27 years old. He will turn 28 just ahead of the 2025 NFL season.

If the Raiders want to bring in a proven option who can still be a long-term franchise quarterback, it wouldn't get better than a move to sign Darnold. He could be the missing piece that helps power Las Vegas back into the playoffs.

Spotrac currently has Darnold's projected market value at a contract worth $160.5 million over four years.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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