NFL insider says Raiders have a backup plan if primary QB plan in 2023 falls through
The Las Vegas Raiders have no clue who their quarterback will be in 2023, but they have a plan
The Las Vegas Raiders don't know who their quarterback will be in 2023, but they have a plan.
Actually, according to an ESPN NFL insider, they have two plans.
The Raiders, who are preparing for life after Derek Carr, are targeting a future Hall of Famer, but they're prepared to look elsewhere if that plan falls through.
According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, the Raiders are still very interested in trading for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (if Rodgers doesn't return to Green Bay).
Graziano pointed out that Las Vegas HC Josh McDaniels has "long been an admirer" of Rodgers.
Landing Rodgers is obviously a long shot. The New York Jets are also heavily interested. The most likely scenario for Rodgers in 2023 is that he plays for the Packers. But if he's traded, the Raiders, who acquired Davante Adams from Green Bay last offseason, could be considered the favorites to land the former NFL MVP.
If the Rodgers deal doesn't work out for Las Vegas, the franchise could turn its attention to free-agent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Graziano reported on Sunday that folks at the NFL Draft combine this week in Indianapolis expect the Raiders to be in the mix for Garoppolo if they miss out on Rodgers.
The Raiders could also call the New England Patriots about Mac Jones. But it's unlikely that the Patriots would trade Jones.
From ESPN: If they can't get him, a lot of people in Indianapolis this week expect McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler to pursue free agent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, whom they know from his time in New England early in his career. There's also some chatter that McDaniels might try to acquire Mac Jones from the Patriots, though it seems unlikely New England would consider moving the 2021 first-rounder.
If the Raiders go with Garoppolo, they'd likely select a quarterback on day two of the draft (Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker is someone they're "high" on) and hope that whoever they draft can develop into a longterm starter.
Las Vegas has some options. But they'll have to wait on Rodgers to finally reveal his decision before they can start pursuing any of those options.
