Given the recent rumors about Anthony Richardson, people naturally associate the Las Vegas Raiders with them—but perhaps it’s best for the Raiders to avoid this mirage.
The Raiders have once again been mentioned in speculation, this time regarding Richardson. Following Richardson’s departure from his starter role in Indianapolis and considering Pete Carroll’s well-known tendency to take on reclamation projects, it’s easy to understand why these connections are being made.
However, just because general manager John Spytek has the option to pursue him does not mean he should.
Should the Raiders look into the former first-round pick?
For starters, Richardson’s greatest obstacle has always been availability. His athletic profile is rare—big arm, dynamic runner—but the NFL has already shown how unforgiving it can be on quarterbacks who rely on physical gifts before refining their mechanics. In just two seasons, Richardson has faced challenges with durability and consistency. Las Vegas, in particular, cannot afford another quarterback carousel driven by injuries and uncertainties.
The Raiders are currently facing developmental challenges with Aidan O’Connell. Despite his difficult performances in the preseason, the team continues to value his strong showing from last year and his promising start to training camp. Resetting for Richardson would impede O’Connell’s progress and introduce an unnecessary distraction for a team already grappling with significant changes on both sides of the football field.
Then there’s the fit. Chip Kelly’s offensive system thrives on rhythm, precision, and quick processing—traits that Richardson has yet to consistently demonstrate. Bringing him in would force either the system to bend or the player to adapt quickly, and neither scenario is a recipe for immediate success.
Finally, consider the bigger picture: the Raiders have pressing needs at cornerback and wide receiver. Burning resources on a reclamation quarterback, even at a discount, diverts attention away from strengthening areas that could directly elevate the team’s 2025 outlook. Let’s face it, the media circus in Sin City would add another level of controversy—a QB controversy.
Richardson may one day identify the right home and unlock his potential. There’s a reason he was such a high first-round draft choice. However, the Raiders would be wiser to resist this temptation. Instead, focus on enhancing O’Connell’s development while also addressing positions that can provide significant, immediate impact.
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*Top Photo: Associated Press/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette