NFL insider's projection for Vikings QB Sam Darnold's team in 2025 and it's quite the interesting scenario

Sam Darnold predicted to join AFC team

The big decision this year is going to be focused on Darnold, as he thrived with head coach Kevin O'Connell this year. If he makes it to free agency, his price could skyrocket.

Some NFL personnel men see a path back to Minnesota for Darnold, who won't find a better situation to win and maximize his growth than playing under coach Kevin O'Connell while throwing to Justin Jefferson & Co. But the Vikings have the enticing option of starting J.J. McCarthy at a $960,000 rookie-scale salary in 2025, which allows them to strengthen the roster around him for the next few years.

All it takes is one suitor to drive Darnold's market to the point where it's cost prohibitive for Minnesota to retain him. And the numbers favor Darnold -- at least five teams selecting in the top 10 of the NFL draft need a quarterback during a year when the supply doesn't meet the demand. Darnold is the clear-cut No. 1 quarterback in free agency.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, who has roots in Minnesota having been on the Vikings beat, spoke to personnel around the league about what will happen with certain high-profile players this offseason. One of whom is Darnold.

"At Pick 6, [the Raiders] are out of range for a quarterback unless they move up, which wouldn't be smart based on the amount of holes they have," a high-ranking personnel man of an NFL team said. "They need every pick. They have flexibility within the cap to get it done."

The Raiders, who still need to hire their own head coach ahead of the 2025 season, are desperate for a quarterback. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Raiders pay big money for Darnold.

That is, if the Vikings allow him to leave.