LAS VEGAS RAIDERS EYEING QUARTERBACKS IN OFFSEASON
The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to be on the lookout for quarterbacks this offseason, but veteran free agent options may be limited. If the team wants to find a potential game-changer outside of the draft, they may need to explore the trade market.
One name that has frequently been linked to the Raiders is Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell believes this could be a possibility.
“With Antonio Pierce taking over as head coach, the Raiders could stick with Aidan O’Connell, a fifth-round pick from last year, as their quarterback in 2024,” Barnwell wrote. “However, considering that Pierce and new general manager Tom Telesco inherited O’Connell from the previous regime, they might be inclined to make a more significant addition at the position. Former team owner Al Davis would have likely been a fan of Fields due to his ability to create plays and make deep passes. Would Mark Davis feel the same way?”
Barnwell even suggests the idea of the Raiders trading Davante Adams for Fields.
“The Raiders desperately need to build a young core of talent after missing on so many draft picks during the Jon Gruden era. They have their first five selections in April’s draft and a full set of 2025 picks. The Bears would likely be interested in pick No. 44 as compensation for Fields. If Chicago really wanted another receiver, would they inquire about Davante Adams to give their new quarterback a dynamic duo with Adams and Moore?”
While it may be enticing for the Bears to have DJ Moore and Adams alongside a rookie quarterback next season, the Raiders would be leaving Fields with limited options to work with in this scenario.
The main reason for any team to trade for Justin Fields this offseason is his potential. The idea is that the Bears have not provided him with the necessary tools to succeed. Therefore, it doesn’t make much sense for the Raiders to give up Davante Adams and reunite Fields with former offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.
It’s difficult to envision a scenario where Fields finds more success with Getsy and no Adams on the Raiders. Additionally, Las Vegas would be losing one of its top players in the process. It is more likely that the team would prefer to sacrifice a draft pick to acquire Fields. The combination of the quarterback with Adams could be intriguing.
Tabloid Format:
Headline: Raiders on the Hunt for New Quarterback – Will They Go Rookie?
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If the Raiders decide Aidan O’Connell shouldn’t be the starting quarterback next season, the team is likely going to be aggressive in trying to find a replacement. While Justin Fields is a known commodity and has some exciting traits, it seems more likely that the Raiders would rather go after a rookie.
Paragraph 2:
Luke Getsy and Fields didn’t work in Chicago and it’s difficult to see how it would work in Las Vegas. The quarterback didn’t throw for over 2,600 yards in a season under Getsy. The best option for the Raiders is to either stick with O’Connell or take a chance on a rookie quarterback and let Getsy develop him. Fields is an intriguing option but he doesn’t make sense with Getsy and his contract situation makes him less appealing. Going with a rookie gives the Raiders at least four years before they have to dedicate big money to the position.
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Raiders Insider Reveals: “Rookie Quarterback the Best Bet for Las Vegas!”
Original Text (with removed occurrences):
If the Raiders decide Aidan O’Connell shouldn’t be the starting quarterback next season, the team is likely going to be aggressive in trying to find a replacement. While Justin Fields is a known commodity and has some exciting traits, it seems more likely that the Raiders would rather go after a rookie.
Luke Getsy and Fields didn’t work in Chicago and it’s difficult to see how it would work in Las Vegas. The quarterback didn’t throw for over 2,600 yards in a season under Getsy. The best option for the Raiders is to either stick with O’Connell or take a chance on a rookie quarterback and let Getsy develop him. Fields is an intriguing option but he doesn’t make sense with Getsy and his contract situation makes him less appealing. Going with a rookie gives the Raiders at least four years before they have to dedicate big money to the position.
Austin Boyd has covered the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Lakers for Heavy.com.