An aggressive Matthew Stafford push did not land the Raiders the Super Bowl-winning quarterback, putting them in a similar position to a handful of teams entering free agency. The Raiders need a 2025 starter, and they do not appear overly eager to pay one in free agency.
The Raiders were deep in talks with the Rams signal-caller about a deal that would have paid him at least $90MM guaranteed. Considering Stafford’s age, that pursuit both reflects the Raiders’ view of his talent and their lukewarm assessment of this year’s free agent class. Indeed, the Raiders are not believed to be high on Sam Darnold or the rest of the free agent QBs, The Athletic’s Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed report (subscription required).
Although the Raiders came up short on Stafford, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini notes they are still talking to teams about QBs via trade. There are not many starters who could conceivably be had, though two have ties to the Raiders. The Seahawks have started Geno Smith extension talks; the QB’s price will dictate how eager the team is to complete a deal. Smith, of course, played five seasons for Pete Carroll and started the final two. The Saints are planning to keep Derek Carr, but he did come up as a potential trade chip earlier this offseason.
A Carr trade back to Las Vegas would be shocking. Still, there are not many other names who would make sense as a trade chip. The Cardinals’ current regime has praised Kyler Murray consistently, even as it did not authorize his current contract, and Trevor Lawrence-Steelers buzz was roundly debunked. The Raiders, who hold the No. 6 pick and have been mentioned as a Cam Ward suitor (via trade-up), may well need to acquire their bridge in free agency.
Vegas has been tied to Darnold, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson thus far this offseason. Wilson created a Hall of Fame case while playing for Carroll, and while the former Pro Bowler reportedly tried to have Carroll fired from his post in 2022, the sides have mended fences. The gap between Stafford’s talent and this group is substantial, though, and an Aaron Rodgers partnership — rumored in the past — would occur when the QB is near the end.
As expected, Tom Brady is “heavily involved” in the Raiders’ offseason so far, Reed tweets. His ski meeting with Stafford certainly signaled the new Raiders part-owner was running point on this effort, as Mark Davis said he would. Brady was also in the building when Maxx Crosby signed his extension, Reed adds. Brady’s fingerprints figure to be on the Raiders’ free agency effort soon. That process may well send a QB to Vegas, but the draft will loom as an avenue the team will thoroughly explore (once again) as well.
One name to monitor for the Raiders is Jalen Milroe, as the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsignore indicates the team remains intrigued with the Alabama product. Milroe is viewed as a player who could be available in the second round. Milroe’s 2024 season checked in worse than his 2023 output.
Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board does not include him, and ESPN’s Scouts Inc. ranks the two-year Crimson Tide starter 66th overall — as the No. 5 QB in this class. A bridge to Milroe would almost definitely be required, and it could be a full-season effort if the Raiders again fail to come out of a first round with a passer.