The Raiders are expected to draft Fernando Mendoza with the first pick in the 2026 draft, and every indication is that Tom Brady and company would like Mendoza to sit behind a veteran quarterback for at least a short time.
Aidan O’Connell is the only veteran quarterback on the roster as of now, but according to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, the Raiders have their eye on a former Super Bowl champion to be Mendoza’s mentor in 2026.
“Joe Flacco, who’s been around, has started a lot of games. He is available. He is weighing options right now,” Fowler said on ESPN’s SportsCenter. “Speaking of Vegas, I’m told that that is an option for him, that they would have interest in potentially bringing him along, as a backup/bridge, if Fernando Mendoza needs to sit a little bit, assuming they draft him, which they will.”
Based on Fowler’s statement that Las Vegas is an “option” for Flacco, it sounds like the Raiders might have an offer on the table for Crosby, with the Cincinnati Bengals being the other team Fowler named as a possible destination for Flacco.
Flacco turned 41 in January, but he has shown the ability to play at a high level even into the final chapters of his career.
Before leaving for the Browns in the second half of the 2025 season, Flacco was on pace to have his third consecutive season with a quarterback rating above 90.
SILVER & BLACK -2- THE FUTURE
Next to new Head Coach Klint Kubiak stood Raiders legends: Jim Plunkett, Marcus Allen, Howie Long, Rich Gannon, Mike Haynes and Charles Woodson at his introductory press conference. In the fore ground were our three Lombardi Trophies — what did this foretell and what does this visual picture speak to us for today? How do we bring that greatness back and what lessons from the past can help us win today? How did we build these championship teams and what could this picture be telling us?
Well, jump into Westside’s DeLorean with me. You see, “Doc,” sold it to me because he was a Raider fan and wants to see us win again. Strap in and let’s test my new turbo charged “flux capacitor” and set the dial to the eras of these great mens’ teams as they collected championship rings. Now set the dial for 1984 and here we go on: “5,4,3, 2 and 1….. FLASH! BEHOLD! (The lightning flashes around you, a rush of speed faster than sound as your head snaps back from the sheer “G force” as we race Silver and Black to the past! You skid one hundred yards to a smoking stop and Touch Down! You are here, the smoke clears from all around Westside’s DeLorean and you are transported into the Raiders locker room right after the NFL Commissioner hands AL Davis another Lombardi Trophy ). Here we hear Al Davis proclaim the most simple of formulas for success that we have forgotten, on how to win these championships and even big games. Yet other teams have since followed this and have collected their own rings for themselves since this time.
Wait, “SHHHH”! Here it is: Al Davis cradles the Lombardi Trophy like a new born babe and says, “ First you get the best Coaches, then you get the best players and you tell them just one thing, JUST WIN BABY!”
Wait, what, is that it? Yes, this is what it boils down to and it’s that simple. This is not rocket science, it is just football, but I was there and there is more to it than this, so let’s break it down.
THE KEYS FROM THE PAST ARE THE KEYS TO FUTURE
Of the six men who stood next to Klint Kubiak at his introduction three were our draft picks and three were acquired free agents. This, my friends, is the make up of all championship teams and if we are to ever win again here is the template:
* Raiders Draft Picks: Marcus Allen, Howie Long and Charles Woodson.
* Raiders Free Agents & Acquisitions: Jim Plunkett, Rich Gannon and Mike Haynes.
You got the picture, 50% our own home grown picks and 50% acquired free agents and it does take both. One half home grown and one half of that great panel next to Coach Kubiak were free agents and acquisitions.
The Raiders are off to a good start this off season but there is still much more work to do in free agency and the draft, both on Offense and Defense still. Championship teams are simply complete teams without weak links in the roster or coaching ranks.
Jump back in the ride friend and let’s hyper drive to the future of our next Super Bowl win. How do we do this? Well, as we always have, with you the Raider Fan lobbying for what it takes for us to win.
West Side Pirate
RN
Since 1974
HELL F N no
Flackoh no
I think Flacco would be a fine choice as a backup. Even at his advanced age, he’s more likely to help the Raiders win games in 2026 than AOC…
But a.) I don’t think winning games should be the Raiders highest priority right now because their roster isn’t good enough to compete, and that would be even more true if Mendoza sits to start the year, and b.) I’m open to potentially going with the bridge QB option if Spytrk and Kubiak truly believe that’s in Mendoza’s best interest, but it would be excruciating to watch the Raiders trot Flacco out while the shiny new toy sits on the bench.
So, I won’t be mad if they sign him, but selfishly, I have no interest in watching him play.