The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to be “aggressive” in landing a new quarterback this offseason, and there are a lot of interesting options available in free agency and the NFL Draft in April.
After a disastrous start to the season, the Raiders’ final nine games of the season gave the fanbase hope they could be a serious playoff and division contender in 2024. Bringing back Antonio Pierce to be head coach was the first big step in the offseason, and making former Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco their new GM will bring a new approach to the front office.
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While they have several offseason needs, upgrading the quarterback position will be a top priority. On Sunday morning, NFL Media league insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo reported that “New head coach Antonio Pierce wants to be aggressive in landing a new QB, and owner Mark Davis grilled GM candidates during the search process on how to trade up from No. 13 to get one.”
The Raiders will have a solid amount of money available this offseason, some interesting trade assets, and the 13th overall pick in April. With that in mind, let’s look at potential players they could target in the next couple of months to take their offense to new heights in 2024 and beyond.
5 QBs the Las Vegas Raiders could target this offseason
Jayden Daniels
Trading up from 13 to the top five to land Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels could be the dream scenario for Las Vegas. They need to find a player that can become a franchise QB and Pierce has a history with the LSU transfer star after being a big part of recruiting him to Arizona State.
While trading up into a spot where he could be selected won’t be easy, one has to wonder if players like Davante Adams (a star weapon for the Bears and Justin Fields) and Josh Jacobs (to add to the Cardinals backfield with Kyler Murray) could help complete a deal, alongside this year and next year’s first-rounder.
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Gardner Minshew
Gardner Minshew has proven with the Eagles and Colts he is more than just a backup QB. However, if he can become a star QB is another question. Considering how good he has been at times, one would imagine working with Adams and Jacobs could elevate the game of a player who is still young enough to develop into a Pro Bowl talent.
Baker Mayfield
All signs point to the Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield agreeing on a new long-term deal. However, nothing is guaranteed until the pen is put to paper, and playing for the Raiders is appealing to any QB. Especially when considering the Pro Bowl skill players they have. While Mayfield won’t come cheap, he will be more affordable than Kirk Cousins and may finally be reaching his potential after a career year in Tampa.
Michael Penix Jr. or JJ McCarthy
If the Raiders stand pat or can’t trade into the top five, the two starting QBs from this year’s national championship game — Michael Penix Jr. and JJ McCarthy — will be available at 13. The big question will be if either is deserving of going as high as 13. Some reports say they are and others claim they could go in the second round. Either way, both have franchise QB potential and will be available to Las Vegas in possibly the first and second rounds.