BREAKING NEWS:Raiders are favored to trade for the divisive quarterback
The Raiders may turn to the trade market if moving up to get a great quarterback prospect comes at too steep of a price. With the first overall pick, the Chicago Bears are free to select any quarterback prospect they choose. Justin Fields would probably be dealt if they were to maintain the pick and select a quarterback in the draft.
The New England Patriots and the Raiders are tied for second-best odds (+900) to trade for Fields, according to Illinois Bet. Despite showing signs of improvement throughout his three seasons with the Bears, the former first-round choice still finds it difficult to pass in the pocket.
Some of the best quarterback prospects in the class of 2024, including Drake Maye of UNC and Caleb Williams of USC, will be selected in the NFL Draft. The Bears would be taking a big risk if they choose not to select a quarterback with the first choice, even though Fields might still be a good starter. It appears likely that Chicago will swap Fields and start over with a fresh quarterbacking class.
How about a trade for Justin Fields by the Las Vegas Raiders?
There are reasons to be concerned about a possible Justin Fields deal for the Raiders from a quarterback-only perspective. He hasn’t passed for more than 2,600 yards or more than 17 touchdowns in three seasons as a quarterback. He is a very successful rusher, with 2,220 rushing yards in 40 games.
Fields has a long arm and can make some amazing plays, but he hasn’t shown that he can play well in the pocket yet. In the modern NFL, having quarterbacks who can make plays with their feet is crucial, but being able to stand in the pocket and throw is still crucial.
Even though Fields is only 24 years old, the Bears’ offensive coordinator Luke Getsy was recently fired, demonstrating that the team hasn’t had the best offensive coaching. Maybe Fields still has unrealized potential. But if the Raiders or any other team decides to go after him, they ought to settle for little more than a third-round selection and some cash.
Aidan O’Connell Had a Strong Season Finale
Although Aidan O’Connell did show some promise towards the conclusion of the season, it is unlikely that he will start for the Raiders the following season. O’Connell started the last four games for the team and went 3-1 with eight touchdowns and no interceptions as a quarterback.
When O’Connell took over as the starter, he really struggled, but as the season progressed, he got better. Although it’s obvious he’s an NFL quarterback, counting on him to be a reliable starter is still dangerous.
He lacks all mobility, and his accuracy is very variable. He must be able to consistently deliver accurate passes if he is unable to make plays with his legs. It’s difficult to ignore his lack of upside, but maybe he would be in a better position if he had the entire offseason to work with the starting offense. The Raiders may not take a chance this summer, but they will ultimately need to locate a quarterback with more upside given the abundance of excellent quarterbacks in the AFC.
Since 2019, Austin Boyd has covered the Los Angeles Lakers and Las Vegas Raiders for Heavy.com. His work at Heavy features interviews with NFL players Darren Waller and Joe Montana as well as an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at “The Shop.” He was born in Los Angeles and is currently residing in Las Vegas.
