The Las Vegas Raiders organization doesn't appear to have any abiding affection for either Gardner Minshew or Aidan O'Connell, as both quarterbacks had their chances as the starter this season and both fell relatively flat.
Las Vegas is 2-11, tied with the New York Giants for the worst record in the NFL, and the draft is roughly four and a half months away. Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders is the expected prize for whatever team ends up picking No. 1 overall, but if that doesn't end up being the Raiders, then the franchise can pivot in the direction of free agency.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report on Wednesday, Dec. 11, dubbed Las Vegas among the top/most likely destinations for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, who will probably enter March as the cream of the free-agent crop at the game's most important position.
"Unlike Pittsburgh, the Las Vegas Raiders don't have a clear-cut starter worth retaining," Knox wrote. "The Raiders have $112.1 million in projected 2025 cap space and could make a serious push for Darnold if they so choose. They could also provide him with a pair of quality pass-catchers in Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers."
Darnold has thrown for nearly 3,300 yards, 28 TDs and 10 INTs in what has been, by far, the best campaign of his seven-year career through 14 games played.
The quarterback was in the early MVP conversation through the first month of the season, and though he took a couple of steps backward in the following weeks, his 5-touchdown performance over the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday has elevated him back into the discussion.
Darnold had the sixth-best odds to win the MVP Award as of Tuesday, according to Draftkings Sportsbook, residing behind four other quarterbacks and running back Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles.
