An often overlooked but crucial aspect for the Las Vegas Raiders next season will be who’s going to be the backup quarterback to Fernando Mendoza.
With Klint Kubiak firmly entrenched as the new head coach, the real work gets underway. Unless there’s a major change of plans, the consensus among most people is that Mendoza will be the first overall pick. Sin City will have what it has been missing for decades: a franchise signal-caller. Regardless of your opinion of Mendoza, it’s highly plausible he’ll be the Day 1 starter. Why would you use the No. 1 pick on a “project”?
As for the roster in its current form, last year’s starter, Geno Smith, remains under contract for the time being. However, if the Raiders move on from Smith, the team would save nearly $8 million.
Then we have fan favorite Aidan O’Connell. The man who has slain the Kansas City Chiefs in the past, though, has proven to be nothing more than a desirable commodity. He’s cheap, mostly reliable in a pinch, and at this point, he’d be the veteran in the quarterback room alongside Mendoza, assuming Smith is gone.
The question is, what’s the most viable plan that the Raiders should follow here? O’Connell could be QB2, which saves general manager John Spytek from spending on a veteran free agent. Then again, free agent names such as Tyrod Taylor, Mitchell Trubisky, and Zach Wilson will be available.
If you want to make a splash, Russell Wilson will also be obtainable. Then again, do you want Wilson as a distraction taking away from Fernando Mendoza and his development?
What do you think, Raider Nation? Cast your vote above or let us know in the comments below.
*Top Photo: Getty ImagesÂ
AOC.. Hell no to Russell Wilson.