The Las Vegas Raiders created a major problem for themselves at quarterback, and it seems that the team and their general manager will not force landing an immediate fix for next season.
Before the 2022 season came to a close, the Las Vegas Raiders made the bold decision of bringing Derek Carr’s tenure as their starting quarterback to an end after nine seasons. The move was not completely unexpected but was nonetheless surprising that it took place with two games left on the schedule.
After damaging their QB’s value and taking away their limited leverage in a trade, they cut Carr last week. Allowing him to test his value in NFL free agency. However, the Raiders did not take such a bold step with a clear replacement in mind. They don’t have a stud prospect on the roster, and the team does not make a selection until the seventh pick in the first round of April’s NFL Draft.
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Fortunately for Las Vegas, this is one of the best offseasons in years to be aggressive in pursuing a QB upgrade with strong options potentially available on the trade market, in free agency or the draft. However, Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler doesn’t seem in any rush to find a major upgrade for the most important position in sports this offseason.
Las Vegas Raiders management not opposed to stop-gap QB in 2023
Recently, the Las Vegas Raiders general manager made an appearance on the “Bussin’ with the Boys” podcast and spoke about the team’s situation at quarterback. While superstars and proven veterans like Aaron Rodgers, Lamar Jackson, Daniel Jones, and Jimmy Garappolo could be up for grabs, Dave Ziegler seemed okay with the idea of not finding a long-term answer at QB this off-season.
“We’re in charge of filling the most important position on the team. There’s some pressure that comes along with that and however we fill it, it doesn’t mean we’re going to have an immediate answer this year … I believe we’re going to win here. I believe we’re going to build something that’s coming to compete for championships and get us to where we want to go. I’m not going to do anything and divert from that because I’m scared of something to ‘trying to buy two more years because I do this or that.’ That’s not how I’m wired. I’m not going to go down like that.”
– Dave Ziegler (h/t Raiders Beat)
Based on these comments it certainly seems like the Las Vegas Raiders’ top executive would be fine with a stop-gap option this offseason, and won’t be forced into rash decisions out of fears over losing his job.
It does make sense to not make bad decisions that hurt the team to address one concern. However, it’s hard to imagine the fanbase and the franchise’s ownership will be satisfied with a major downgrade at QB after making huge off-season investments last year in players and coaches. Especially with strong replacement options available in the coming months.