JUSTIN:Raiders are very ‘aggressive’ in pursuit of another…
Raiders will be ‘aggressive’ in pursuit of another QB.
Whether in free agency or the NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders will try to add another quarterback this offseason.
Per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, Raiders rookie head coach Antonio Pierce “wants to be aggressive in landing another QB.” He also recently told the Athletic’s Vic Tafur he expects the team to acquire another QB, and Aidan O’Connell will compete for the starting job.
Pierce made an impression after replacing Josh McDaniels — who Las Vegas fired after Week 8 — going 5-4. But he needs better QB play to thrive. The Raiders were 28th in the league in average passer rating (80.1).
O’Connell replaced Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 9 after he threw more interceptions (nine) than TDs (seven) in six games. The rookie was slightly better, but didn’t look like a star. He completed 62.1 percent of his passes for 12 TDs and seven picks in 11 games.
OTC estimates the Raiders will have $36.04M in cap space, enough to sign a veteran in free agency. Intriguing options include Baker Mayfield, Kirk Cousins and Ryan Tannehill.
They could also draft a passer. The Raiders have the 13th pick in the draft, but it wouldn’t be shocking if they attempt to move up and target LSU’s Jayden Daniels.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler pointed out Pierce liked Daniels while the two were together at Arizona State, and he evaluated offensive coordinators with the possibility of the 2023 Heisman winner in mind. For what it’s worth, Daniels thanked Pierce in his Heisman speech.
Regardless, the Raiders must upgrade their QB room to get back on track. Las Vegas hasn’t made the playoffs since 2021 and has posted two straight losing seasons. Additionally, it last won the AFC West in 2002.