Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union

Two Free Agents QB Options That Raiders Could Target This Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Terrance Biggs | Last updated Dec 17, 2024 6:00 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders need a quarterback in 2025. That should go without saying. How they arrive at that point leads the conversation in many different directions.

With what looks like a guaranteed top-ten pick. the team more than likely should select a quarterback with said pick. Now, at the same time, questions arise about placing your eggs in the rookie's basket without a safety net, a bridge that allows the rookie to grow before taking full control of the reins.

Now, under the assumption that the Raiders call the name of a quarterback early, who else could/should help fill out the position group?

Sam Darnold

Pros: After floundering on three teams since his third-overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. Toiling in New York and Carolina before serving as a backup in San Francisco, Darnold seemed to embrace the backup role. When presumed Vikings starter J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury, the ball fell into Darnold's hands. The former USC standout took over, completing 67 percent of his passes, tossing twenty-nine touchdowns to eleven interceptions. More importantly, this incarnation of Darnold operates with a confidence not seen since his days as a Trojan.

Cons: Kevin O'Connell and Darnold are not a package deal. On his own can the Raiders depend on him to replicate his 2024 performance, when he hasn't shown that level of play up until then? Also, enjoying a renaissance season jacks up Darnold's asking price. Spotrac, a website that analyzes and reports the market value for the seven-year veteran sits at 35.9 million dollars per year. The Raiders betting on a one-year wonder looks foolish.

Jacoby Brissett

Pros: New part-owner Tom Brady played in front of Brissett during the Patriots' 2016-17 run, so familiarity exists there. Plus, teams and coaches absolutely respect the nine-year veteran, citing his professionalism and ability to step in as a spot starter, only to give way to the franchise quarterback. Unlike many veterans who feel pressed by rookies, Brissett fully understands his role within the game. He takes care of the ball. sporting a 1.4% interception rate, tied for the lowest in NFL history.

Cons: In all honesty, Brissett's struggling numbers would deter teams. Completing 61.1 percent of his passes and a 19-34 record.

Verdict

While Sam Darnold could provide a better impact, he will also cost the Raiders over a hundred-and-fifty million dollars. Meanwhile, Jacoby Brissett wouldn't require a tenth of that. In addition, if the Las Vegas Raiders truly want to move into the new era, they need a rookie quarterback to build around. Signing a veteran like Brissett to a short-term deal to act as the mentor would help all involved.

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

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