The Las Vegas Raiders’ organization may not be on the same page when it comes to identifying who their future franchise quarterback is or should be. What’s obvious is that the team does need to add more competition at QB heading into 2024, and Jayden Daniels may be the perfect fit.
Yet, of course, that competition could come in a number of ways, such as adding a veteran free agent, someone like Russell Wilson or Kirk Cousins.
But to solve the long-term questions at QB for the Raiders, chances are they’ll have to get aggressive in the 2024 NFL Draft. If drafting a quarterback is at the very top of the Raiders’ priorities this offseason, then they may need to trade up from their current 13th pick, but one NFL insider says it’s possible.
Las Vegas Raiders’ Jayden Daniels trade deemed tough, but possible
If the Las Vegas Raiders are truly targeting a quarterback with their first pick, it could mean picking from J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix, or Bo Nix, and that’s if the Michigan QB is even still available with his stock believed to be soaring. And Penix and Nix may not be first-round prospects.
So that means if the Raiders are deadset on picking a QB in the first round, they’ll have to get creative and trade up from 13. Yet, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes such a move is on the Raiders’ radar, and Jayden Daniels is believed to be the target thanks to Antonio Pierce’s connection with the former Arizona State QB.
“That’s a connection. Is it strong enough to move up from 13 overall to three overall to New England’s spot? That would be tough, but I think it’s on the radar at least.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Las Vegas Raiders’ interest in Jayden Daniels
Fowler went on to note that the Raiders could be a “mover and a shaker around draft time.” With a new regime in place, it’s hard to know what to expect from the Raiders going forward, but it’s become clear that settling for average won’t be good enough for Las Vegas.
If the Raiders could strike a blockbuster trade up the board, giving them the chance to add Daniels, they’d provide a massive energy wave for a fanbase desperate to get back to competing in the playoffs. At that point, it’s on the staff to get the most they can out of their new star.
But first things first, the Raiders have to evaluate whether Daniels is worth the risk and if there’s a team willing to negotiate a fair trade. Rumors have suggested the New England Patriots may be open for business at No. 3, but pulling off such a move won’t be easy.
