After an awful start to his Las Vegas Raiders career and then getting benched by new head coach Antonio Pierce, a new report suggests the team will again attempt to make a big splash in the offseason as they look to find a long-term answer at quarterback.
Last year, the Raiders hoped that when they hired general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels, that the New England Patriots alums could take what they learned with the successful franchise and bring the “Patriot Way” to the silver-and-black. Unfortunately, after a season and a half, the organization felt there was enough evidence that the dream was dead.
While there were many reasons why owner Mark Davis fired McDaniels and Ziegler last week, one of the key decisions that helped bring them both down was signing Patriots and 49ers veteran Jimmy Garoppolo to be their starting quarterback, and replacement for former star Derek Carr.
His issues with not being able to stay on the field arose again in 2023 and despite missing several starts he is tied for the NFL lead in interceptions. While the coaching staff are fans of rookie Aidan O’Connell, a more competent quarterback likely doesn’t lose the starting job to the fourth-round pick.
Garoppolo’s benching has led many to wonder if his tenure in Las Vegas could be over in just one season. It was something that was asked of ESPN Las Vegas Raiders reporter Paul Gutierrez in a column Saturday, and it seems he believes “Jimmy G” being gone after this season is a near guarantee.
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“How about … very?” Gutierrez said when asked about how likely Garoppolo is to be cut after the season. “Benching Garoppolo as part of the reset that saw coach Josh McDaniels, general manager Dave Ziegler, and offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi all get fired does not bode well for the QB’s future in Las Vegas. He threw nine interceptions over six games but seven touchdown passes.”
While the Raiders reporter mentioned several factors will have an impact on the team’s final decision if they do seek out a new starting QB in the spring of 2024, here are five possible targets via trades, free agency, and the 2024 NFL Draft.
5 QBs Las Vegas Raiders could target in 2024
Kyler Murray
It is unclear what the long-term outlook is for Kyler Murray in Arizona, however, there have been reports in recent months that the franchise is not against moving on from him. While there are certainly risks in trading for the 26-year-old, the upside is equally as high if the two-time All-Star can recapture his form after a season-ending injury and be combined with star skills players DaVante Adams and Josh Jacobs.
It is a move that would be very Raiders.
Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins was having a career year before tearing his Achilles this season. If he can fully recover, he is a top-10 QB and is also a perfect player to be running a unit with Adams and Jacobs in 2024. The question is are the Raiders willing to find a way to meet the high asking price Cousins will have?
JJ McCarthy
JJ McCarthy’s stock is on the rise with Michigan being a serious title contender in 2023. While projections vary, the Las Vegas Raiders are likely to land a draft pick anywhere from 10 to 20 next April. McCarthy could still be on the board when the Raiders are on the clock in the first round of the draft. He has a legit arm and the athleticism needed to compete at a high level in the current NFL.
Quinn Ewers
Texas QB Quinn Ewers is another talented prospect who could be available when Las Vegas makes their first pick in 2024. He can make all the throws and knows how to get the ball to his talented skills players. He isn’t the type of player who can turn around a losing team, but the Raiders already have the talent that they could be a playoff-caliber squad immediately next season.
Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield has had a rock-solid season with the Buccaneers this season. If the team had a better rushing attack they very well could be in first place right now in the NFC South. If the Raiders are looking for a proven veteran with more athleticism to hold the job for a couple of seasons as they develop a young prospect, the organization could do far worse than the Heisman Trophy winner.
Michael Penix Jr.
Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. has been outstanding in 2023 as he has finally hit a new peak after two torn ACLs during his college career. Unlike many of the young signal callers in this class, Penix Jr. is a classic pocket passer who is not looking to tuck and run when the pressure rises.
Another factor that makes him interesting is due to being red-shirted multiple times because of his previous injuries, he had a ton of experience and is as ready as any player that may come out next year. If the Raiders want to take a high-potential pick in the second or third round, Penix Jr. would be a strong option.