The quarterback spot has been a major point of contention for the Las Vegas Raiders over the years. Sure, Derek Carr calmed nerves with his play at times. But the former Pro Bowler was also subject to criticism before Vegas moved off him after the 2022 season.
Following the failed one-year experiment of Jimmy Garoppolo, attention is turning to what the Raiders’ new brass might do at quarterback this season.
Former Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco is calling the shots in the same role with the Raiders. After replacing Josh McDaniels on an interim basis last season, Antonio Pierce takes over the full-time head coach gig in Sin City.
Both are on hand in Indianapolis this week to take part in the NFL Scouting Combine. Of course, the quarterback situation has been a major talking point.
Pierce actually opened up on Wednesday with quotes that lead us to believe the Raiders are going in a specific direction at this all-important position.
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“I would hope whoever we draft, that’s the route we go, that’s who the starter becomes. You don’t want to put a Band-Aid at that position. That’s old. That’s old, man. I think the Raiders . . . we’ve seen that enough in this organization.”
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce on QB situation, via Vic Tafur of The Athletic
That could actually be seen as somewhat of a swipe at Carr. After all, he was the Raiders’ starting quarterback for the better part of nine seasons. Regardless of his sometimes pedestrian play, that’s not the definition of a band-aid.
But I digress.
Garoppolo was benched last season after six starts when Pierce took over for McDaniels as the Raiders’ head coach. He threw seven touchdowns and nine interceptions.
The Raiders are set to move off him here soon via a release. They were also aided financially in that regard after he was suspended two games for violating the NFL’s Performance Enhancing Drug (PED) Policy. That took away his guarantees for the 2024 campaign.
Rookie fourth-round pick Aidan O’Connell took over for Garoppolo as their starter. He played well, throwing 12 touchdowns against seven interceptions. But there is a lot of concern over upside when it comes to the former Purdue quarterback. With a strong 2024 NFL Draft class at this position, settling for O’Connell doesn’t make much sense.
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Las Vegas Raiders QB options in 2024 NFL Draft
“I don’t know how it’s going to play out, but [G.M. Tom] Telesco better start working his magic,” Pierce said. “I told him, ‘It’s your turn now. All eyes are on you. I am going to be undefeated for six more months.’”
As of right now, Vegas is slated to have the 13th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Bo Nix (Oregon), Michael Penix Jr. (Washington) and J.J. McCarthy (Michigan) might all be available with that selection.
They are seen as Tier 2 options behind Caleb Williams (USC), Drake Maye (North Carolina) and Jayden Daniels (LSU). With Williams slated to go to the Chicago Bears at one, the viable trade-up scenarios include Maye and Daniels. However, Vegas would likely have to move into the top three for either of those signal callers.
Pierce’s comments do make one thing clear. Signing a veteran like Kirk Cousins or Russell Wilson might not be in the cards. Acquiring a youngster such as Justin Fields or Mac Jones probably isn’t a high likelihood, either.