The Raiders need a quarterback in the upcoming draft, and while the 2025 quarterback class isn’t considered as talented as the 2024 class, Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward appear destined to be taken within the first five picks.
If the Raiders don’t end up with a top pick, they could find themselves in a difficult position entering free agency without any assurances they can get the quarterback they want in the draft.
If it plays out that way, the Raiders will have to consider signing a veteran quarterback from a free agent class that isn’t particularly exciting.
With that in mind, there seems to be a free agent quarterback or two every year that shocks the NFL. The Raiders hoped Gardner Minshew would be that quarterback a year ago, but a variety of factors led Minshew to having the worst year of his career in Las Vegas.
If the Raiders decide to roll the dice on another veteran quarterback in the offseason, here are five options that might make sense.
Joe Flacco, Indianapolis Colts
Flacco will turn 40 before next year, but he can still make all the throws required to be an NFL quarterback.
He wasn’t mobile in his prime, so Flacco really doesn’t seem any slower in the twilight of his career. If the Raiders need a quarterback to keep the seat warm for a rookie, they could do a lot worse than Flacco.
Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
Darnold has been a surprise, but there have been a lot of factors working in his favor in Minnesota that he wouldn’t necessarily have somewhere else.
There doesn’t seem to be a lot of upside with Darnold, but he is on pace for 30 touchdown passes this season. He will have the attention of every quarterback-needy team in a few months.
For what it’s worth, the Vikings will probably be inclined to re-sign Darnold depending on the health of J.J. McCarthy.
Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have talked like a team that wants to keep Russell Wilson, so Fields is the one who makes the list here.
He hasn’t proven to be a great passer in the NFL, but could Tom Brady view Fields as a low-risk, high-reward option for the Raiders?
In hindsight, Fields would have been a better option for the Raiders than Minshew, but it’s been rumored that he didn’t prefer to work with offensive coordinator Luke Getsy again.
Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets
He’s not slated to be a free agent after the season, but Rodgers is quickly wearing out his welcome in New York.
There are a lot of reasons to not like Rodgers, but his name is going to come up as an option. And hey, maybe Rodgers would bring his old friend Davante Adams to Las Vegas with him.
Rumor has it, Adams has a home in Las Vegas.
Jameis Winston, Cleveland Browns
Last but not least, the Raiders would be wise to make a push for Winston even if they have a top draft pick.
Winston has shown the ability to work with younger quarterbacks and he brings an element to the locker room that can’t be found anywhere else.
With a little direction from the most accomplished quarterback to ever play the game, could Winston finally reach the potential that made him the first-overall pick in 2015?
There’s at least one personality in the Raiders building that doesn’t seem opposed to adding Winston…
x: @raidersbeat
Probably a good idea to get a new HC and huddle with Tom to get his take on who’s a good fit, Mark D, just sit back and let the process happen.
Raiders don’t need another bandaid QB.
Terrible article
Regardless of draft picking a future qb, they need a top qb they will pick up in free agency. Even a mediocre qb can be effective with the best offensive line and a top 5 defense, we will see how this plays out. They will bring in a new offensive coordinator, then another off year learning the new scheme. This just continues over and over.