The Las Vegas Raiders have a big decision to make in the 2024 NFL Draft, with general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierce choosing a path that could dramatically impact the team’s future. It appears that the decision has caused a split within the organization.
After firing head coach Josh McDaniels, las Vegas went on a late-season run in 2023 that improved its record from 3-5 to 8-9. The success resulted in Pierce being named full-time head coach, but it also pushed the team down the 2024 NFL Draft order and well out of range for one of the top quarterback prospects.
Related: Latest 2024 NFL mock draft
The Raiders front office explored a variety of trade-up scenarios this offseason, however, teams like the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots set the asking price too high to meet. With the Minnesota Vikings well-positioned to beat Las Vegas in a bidding war for the fourth or fifth overall pick, the first-round options become more complicated.
According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, the Raiders’ organization is split on its plan at quarterback and how aggressive it wants to be to upgrade at the position in 2024.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders mock draft 2024: Building the team and finding a QB
Pierce is reportedly the one in the Raiders’ organization who wants to trade up for a franchise-caliber quarterback, even if that means paying more to make it happen. However, Telesco is “leaning heavily” toward sticking with Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew as the Raiders starting quarterback options in 2024.
The Raiders’ coach does have a close relationship with LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels, but the reigning Heisman Trophy winner is likely to be taken with one of the first three picks. However, it’s also well-known that Las Vegas has an interest in Michael Penix Jr.
The reported ‘split’ between Pierce and Telesco is particularly interesting because of the divide between coaches and scouts on Penix Jr. It’s one of the reasons why he has one of the widest projected ranges in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, if he’s the quarterback Las Vegas wants, he should be available at 13th overall and more than likely will make it past the first 20 picks.
Related: NFL insider suggests Las Vegas Raiders might need to trade up for top target