After swapping quarterbacks, moving from Derek Carr to Jimmy Garoppolo, are the Las Vegas Raiders in a better position to succeed, both in the immediate and long-term future? We’re not so sure.
Even coach Josh McDaniels doesn’t seem to view Jimmy G as much more than a bridge quarterback. The Raiders have frequently spoken of their mindset heading into the draft, where they hold the seventh overall pick. Throughout their draft evaluation process, Las Vegas has yet to rule out adding a top QB in the first round. Coach McDaniels touched on the topic once again on Monday.
“If we feel like the guy is worth it, we would do it. He’s a really good player at the most important position in football and so … is making your quarterback room stronger or a strength of your team a bad thing? In our opinion, it’s not.”
Las Vegas Raiders coach Josh McDaniels on possiblity of drafting a QB
After losing backup Jarrett Stidham in free agency, the only other QB currently on the roster aside from the 31-year-old Garoppolo is second-year undrafted pro Chase Garbers, who has never thrown an NFL pass. The Raiders will eventually add another gunslinger on the depth chart, which could very well be another veteran, but why not consider a younger, long-term solution?
Garoppolo is signed to a reasonable contract where he’s set to earn an average of $24.1 million over the next three years, but they can move on next offseason while suffering a dead cap charge of $11.2 million compared to saving up to $13M.
Meanwhile, general manager Dave Ziegler has personally attended the Ohio State and Alabama pro days, getting a closer look at C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young. The Raiders’ front office also plans to meet with Kentucky’s Will Levis for an official visit later on. The other tantalizing prospect, Florida’s Anthony Richardson, has his pro day on Thursday. Chances are, the Raiders will be in attendance as well.
After finishing with just six wins, some might suggest the Raiders have more pressing needs, but the chance to land a top QB in the draft doesn’t come around often. Perhaps the Raiders decide securing the future face of the franchise is what’s most important entering the 2023 NFL Draft.