As the Derek Carr saga comes to a bitter end, the Las Vegas Raiders are left with questions at quarterback. Whether it’s a rookie or a veteran placeholder, there will be someone new under center in 2023. If the Raiders want to utilize the talents of Davante Adams and Darren Waller, they will look towards bringing in a proven veteran. The truth is, age will soon catch up to them. Are the Raiders really going to waste their abilities while they develop a rookie signal-caller?
Josh McDaniels & Dave Ziegler have a lot riding on Year 2
Handing over the keys to an inexperienced quarterback doesn’t make sense for Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler. Yes, anything can happen, but that route could be disastrous. With that said, let’s examine three quarterback combinations that could intrigue the Raiders.
Duo No. 1 For The Raiders: Tom Brady and Anthony Richardson
The Raiders finally land Tom Brady in this scenario, albeit three years later than preferred. To pair with the greatest of all time, the club snags Florida product Anthony Richardson. Let’s say this is how free agency and the draft shape up for the Raiders. Richardson could then hone his mechanics and decision-making skills while learning from the best. It would take a revamped offensive line and a few new defensive starters, but Brady could opt to rejoin McDaniels and try to contend.
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Even at 45 years old, Brady is still slinging it. Brady attempted a career high of 733 passes in 2022. The Raiders can go into “win now” mode while looking forward to the next era behind Richardson.
Duo No. 2 For The Raiders: Aaron Rodgers and Jarrett Stidham
Aaron Rodgers can still play at a high level. The Raiders are unlikely to trade any assets for a veteran, but a Rodgers and Davante Adams reunion in Vegas would be good for business. The 39-year-old has plenty of ball left in him after a season totaling 3,695 yards and 26 touchdowns behind a new receiving core. If the Raiders did decide to trade with Green Bay, they could re-sign current free agent Jarrett Stidham. “Stiddy” impressed in limited action in place of Derek Carr and would be relatively cheap.
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He is a serviceable backup who could plug into the system at any time. The Rodgers and Stidham combination could do some serious damage. That is, assuming they patch up the holes in the offensive line.
Duo No. 3 For The Raiders: Jimmy Garoppolo and C.J. Stroud
Yes, the Raiders would be getting more of the same after transitioning from Carr to Jimmy Garoppolo. However, the new regime has experience with the veteran and could be enticed by his postseason experience. Garoppolo might be too expensive for a “bridge quarterback,” but with the right pieces on defense, “Jimmy G” could lead a well-balanced Raiders team. Sitting behind the ninth-year vet would be Ohio State standout C.J. Stroud. That is, if he falls to the Raiders at 7th overall.
The pocket passer has all the tools to be a lethal signal caller at the next level. The Raiders could let the 21-year-old sit for a year or two and learn before seeing NFL action. Going this route would set up the next chapter of Raiders football while giving them a chance to win behind a quarterback with Super Bowl experience.
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