Despite adding veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in NFL free agency, the Las Vegas Raiders could make a major trade for another player with strong ties to head coach Josh McDaniels.
With two games left in the 2022 season, the Las Vegas Raiders made the bold move to bench starting QB Derek Carr and bring an end to his nine-year tenure with the organization. That is why they entered this offseason with one primary objective: Find a new starting quarterback.
The team quickly addressed the need on the first day of free agency by signing former San Francisco 49ers starter Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year deal worth $72.5 million. However, while Garoppolo’s winning pedigree should help the Raiders be competitive in 2023, it seems like the team likely doesn’t see him as a long-term answer.
Related: NFL insider suggests shockingly low price for Colts in potential Lamar Jackson trade
The Las Vegas Raiders have the seventh pick overall in this month’s NFL Draft and have reportedly been doing their homework on the top quarterback prospects from this year’s class, in the event that certain talents are available at seven or if the team trades up to take either Bryce Young or CJ Stroud — the top two QB prospects in 2023.
Las Vegas Raiders record (2022): 6-11, third place in AFC West
However, a new report on Tuesday has opened the door to a different option for a young long-term answer at quarterback for Las Vegas. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio revealed today that New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has reportedly been shopping 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones this offseason.
While the teams Belichick spoke with are still a mystery, Florio offered a list of several likely options and made a case for why the Las Vegas Raiders need to be taken seriously as a possible contender for Jones.
“The Raiders are the ones to keep watching. Jimmy Garoppolo‘s contract lands in the low end of middle class for starters, and Jones has two years left under a slotted rookie deal before his fifth-year option would apply.”
– Mike Florio
Florio does note that a deal could be difficult since Patriots owner Robert Kraft has made it known publicly he is a major supporter of Jones, and a recent report suggested he put most of the blame for last season’s failings offensively on the head coach and not Jones.
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels was Jones’ offensive coordinator in 2021 during what was a promising rookie season.