The Las Vegas Raiders are undergoing significant changes with a new head coach, fresh staff, and revamped front office. Despite potential disagreements over personnel choices, the Raiders have diligently addressed various needs for the upcoming offseason. However, one glaring gap remains: the quarterback position.
Several options lay before the Raiders. They could pursue a high-profile trade for available talents like Justin Fields, opt for a low-risk signing of a potential free agent such as Russell Wilson, or take a gamble on a veteran like Baker Mayfield.
Alternatively, they might consider lower-risk acquisitions like Sam Darnold or Jacoby Brissett in free agency.
Furthermore, the possibility of drafting a first-round quarterback or trading up for prospects like Jayden Daniels or Aidan O’Connell adds complexity to their decision-making process.
However, caution is advised against pursuing 35-year-old Kirk Cousins, who is recovering from Achilles tendon surgery, as highlighted in a recent Bleacher Report article.
While the Minnesota Vikings express interest in retaining Cousins despite his injury, the Raiders could capitalize if they can manage the necessary cap space.
Nevertheless, internal factors must be weighed, particularly the presence of Jimmy Garoppolo, a high-priced quarterback benched midway through the previous season.
“Even if Cousins becomes available, the Raiders shouldn’t be interested. He’s a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback, but he’s also 35 and coming off a torn Achilles. The Raiders just signed an older quarterback coming off a season-ending injury last offseason, and now Jimmy Garoppolo is a potential cap casualty.”
While Cousins boasts impressive statistics from his eight games last season – including a 4-4 record, an average of 291.4 passing yards per game, and a third-ranked quarterback rating of 103.8 – concerns linger over his age and injury history.
Cousins’ projected two-year, $60 million contract demands, as estimated by Pro Football Focus (PFF), raise financial considerations. Such a short-term commitment may align with the Raiders’ strategy, particularly if they wish to allow O’Connell more time for development.
In essence, while Cousins presents an intriguing option, the Las Vegas Raiders must carefully weigh the potential risks and rewards before making a definitive move in their quest to solidify the quarterback position.
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