With the Vikings electing to hand the reins over to 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, Sam Darnold predictably departed on the open market this offseason. The latter wound up taking a three-year deal with the Seahawks to assume starting quarterback duties. 
Before that took place, Darnold was linked to a number of potential suitors as the top signal-caller in free agency. The Raiders were among the teams which made a notable move under center this spring, trading for Geno Smith once it became clear he and the Seahawks were not close on extension terms. Darnold’s predecessor is now on the books with Vegas thanks to the new regime which is overseeing the franchise.
That setup includes head coach Pete Carroll, general manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady. Once the seven-time Super Bowl winner’s ownership bid was approved, he immediately took on a notable role within the organization. Brady has been heavily involved in a number of Raiders decisions this offseason, and to little surprise that includes the acquisition of a new starting quarterback.
On that note, Mike Silver of the Athletic reports Brady did not support Vegas signing Darnold in free agency (subscription required). 2024 saw the former No. 3 pick enjoy an impressive run with the Vikings up to the team’s regular season finale and wild-card loss. Darnold nevertheless secured $100.5MM on his Seattle pact, one which contains a potential out as early as next March. Instead of making a similar investment, the Raiders traded for Smith and extended him on a two-year, $75MM pact.
That move will give Vegas short-term stability under center as the team looks to compete in the AFC West beginning in 2025. At the age of 28, Darnold is six years younger than Smith but the latter has experience working with Carroll dating back to their time together in Seattle. A productive reunion between the two would help a Raiders offense which finished 29th in scoring last season.
Of course, Carroll and Spytek were heavily involved in the decision to trade for Smith and thus settle the QB spot for the time being. The fact Brady preferred not to go the Darnold route was no doubt something which carried considerable weight, though, and it will be a factor in evaluating how the Raiders’ approach winds up playing out.
This makes me root for Darnold even harder.
Mr. Double-Dipper can’t get the Jets out of his head.
Why?
Further evidence that Tom Brady should not be an analyst for Fox Sports. No other team should have to share any insight with their company as long as he’s there.
It’s Tom Brady’s world and we’re all living in it as long as we follow the NFL. He has a Golden Horseshoe up his arse something we need to accept
This is Tom Brady’s world and we’re all just living in it, we need to accept it unfortunately as long as we follow football
Thing is Darnold had much better players surrounding him in Minnesota verses the ‘work in progress’ of the Raiders. Geno might also be more mobile as that’ll be necessary at least again in ‘25.
As to expectation from LV this season I’d suggest folks keep your betting money in your pocket.
Looking at their schedule, they can overachieve, and I’d expect that with the general upgrade in coaching that Caroll brings to the table. They have a lot of tomato cans on that schedule, and they historically play the three division opponents close. In fact, I’d say they’ve been the team to play the Chiefs the best the last few years outside of the Bengals. Ceiling is probably 9-8 if everything breaks right.
I’d say that Denver plays K.C. better, but you’re right about the schedule. I’m not as big on Carroll as some others these days, but he and the new management combined will probably be a positive on the foundational aspect of the team. There are a lot of elements here that appear transitory-Smith at QB, for instance. I also feel that Carroll is a semi-short term answer at coach, mostly to help build that foundation from the missteps of earlier regimes.
One thing can be said with certainty, though-the AFC West is pretty stacked coaching-wise. Harbaugh is the only one to not win an NFL Championship, but he has been to the game and has a college one to boot. These teams can’t gain except at the expense of another, so it’ll be interesting to see who wins out. K.C. is showing some age at certain spots, and has been looking for a long term star at receiver, so they’ll need to keep working to stave off the others behind them in the division.
After Darnold’s collapse down the stretch against quality opponents, I would’ve steered clear of him as well.
Be interesting to see if Milroe has the mental tools to push Darnold out of the starting job. Much like Russell Wilson did to Matt Flynn many moons ago.
I stil don’t get that move. The Rams was one of the two teams that humiliated him twice last year. The 49ers defense is going to be a problem for him, and the Cardinals definitely beefed up their defense on paper. He’s easily the worst QB in the division where I could argue Geno was better than Murray. I get Geno wanted out, but you were going to draft a guy anyway, that’s pretty obvious by now.
Geno > Darnold ???
…so he traded for a guy who is nearly 35 and hasn’t accomplished all that much more than Darnold. Okay buddy.
Darnold had a flash. I hate Brady as much as the next guy, but I can’t argue with what he’s brought to the Raiders. On paper everything is looking great, but time will tell.
Those that are pissed about Brady’s involvement are only mad he’s not helping their team. Own up to it and just admit it.
And yes, Geno > Darnold in every way shape and form.
There’s a very legitimate concern about the fact that he’s given been allowed to be a major network analyst and an owner acting as a partial GM at the same time. Brady, in addition, stated repeatedly that he would be “passive” as an owner in order to get his stake approved while also announcing. There’s a legitimate gripe there that has nothing to do with his abilities, perceived or actual.
Geno is a stop gap, Darnold wanted a long term pact. Was not worth the investment, I get it.