After almost two months of speculation and endless banter, we could finally be seeing what the Las Vegas Raiders are planning. We are, of course, referring to the quarterback situation. In particular, Dave Ziegler and Co. could be turning to a familiar face for help in Jimmy Garoppolo.
We can hear the collective sigh from Raider Nation as we write this, but it shouldn’t be that shocking either. Given the benching of Derek Carr, most figured that the Raiders brass and Josh McDaniels were going to go after someone familiar with their offensive system. There’s too much on the line in Year 2 for this current regime to not bring in a familiar face. Let’s face it: Aaron Rodgers becoming a Raider was a pipe dream all along.
ESPN insider Dan Graziano went as far as to say that if Aaron Rodgers isn’t in their equation, Garoppolo would likely be their best bet.
“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 that New England would consider moving the 2021 first rounder.”
Mac Jones? Yeah, there goes another sigh. However, as far as “Jimmy G” goes, the financial aspect of bringing him in just doesn’t make sense. Especially not for a team that’s looking to rebuild its defense. Appropriating resources to an injury-prone, mid-level quarterback at best appears to be counterintuitive. There’s no need to complicate this if you’re the Raiders. Select a signal-caller in the first round of the NFL draft and start there. You then sign a bargain veteran, and, oh, and bring back Jarrett Stidham. There you go.
*Top Photo: AP Photo/David Zalubowski
Mock Draft 1.0: Ramblers Get Together To Build A Full First-Round Mock