Before the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants struck out in their pursuits of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, a report claimed that it was "unlikely" the Raiders would "make a large financial commitment to another veteran quarterback who’s expected to be available this offseason.

As a free agent in 2023, Darnold signed with the 49ers having to win the backup quarterback job behind Brock Purdy over Trey Lance. After winning the backup job, he made one start in 10 appearances, getting the lowest playtime of his career.

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold walks off the field after the January playoff loss to the Rams. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune)