REPORT : Former No. 1 pick quarterback heading for the NFL has a “clear” landing spot with the Raiders.
Although Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell had some success in the offseason, the team will probably be looking to upgrade. The team lost to the No. 13 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, though, as they played too well in the latter stages.
It will be hard to obtain one of the best quarterbacks so late unless the team chooses to trade up. This might prompt Las Vegas to consider the free agent pool. While there aren’t many possibilities comparable to Tom Brady, the squad should nevertheless keep an eye on one individual.
With the Tampa Bay Bucs, Baker Mayfield had a remarkable comeback season and even helped the team defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs. In free agency, he’ll be a desirable commodity, and Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler thinks the Raiders are the best team to sign him if he decides to go.
“The Raiders could soon have a firm foundation in place with star wideout Davante Adams in place and Antonio Pierce possibly set to become the permanent head coach,” Fowler wrote in a column published on January 18.
“Vegas is the obvious place where Baker Mayfield’s game may continue to flourish if he manages to escape Tampa Bay. Who better to bring the Raiders some pizazz under center than Mayfield?
Given their strong desire to retain Mayfield, the Buccaneers may face competition for his services.
Why Baker Mayfield Would Be a Good Fit for the Las Vegas Raiders
From a personality standpoint, Baker Mayfield performing in Las Vegas makes a lot of sense. Both the athlete and the city of Las Vegas exude flair. It’s hard to predict, though, how he might fit in on the field until the Raiders appoint an offensive coordinator.
Kliff Kingsbury, the former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, has been connected to the position, but he is being considered by other teams. Notably, prior to Mayfield’s transfer to Oklahoma, Kingsbury was Texas Tech’s head coach during his rookie season.
Although Lincoln Riley mentored Mayfield during his most successful period, Mike Leach is the mentor of both Riley and Kingsbury. Mayfield would be a great addition to an offense under Kingsbury’s direction.
Should You Select a Veteran or Draft a QB?
The Raiders have some options at quarterback this offseason. Aidan O’Connell showed enough toward the end of the season to at least get consideration to be the starter next season. Jimmy Garoppolo is also still on the roster and could be in for a bounce-back season after getting most of the year off and getting healthy. There will also be notable quarterbacks in free agency like Baker Mayfield, Kirk Cousins and possibly Russell Wilson.
However, it’s time for the Raiders to consider taking a big swing at quarterback. The team hasn’t used a first-round pick on a quarterback since 2007 on JaMarcus Russell. While that pick didn’t work out, it should hold the team back from addressing the most important position early. The AFC is loaded with so much great young quarterback talent that settling for average could be a mistake. This could be the year the Raiders finally go all out on a quarterback prospect in the draft.
