The Las Vegas Raiders made a huge change to their team this offseason, opting to move on from long-time starting quarterback, Derek Carr. It was a move that drew a lot of criticism from people, as not many people liked how they handled that situation or the one with running back Josh Jacobs.
Alas, general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels thought it would be better to commit to someone they were more comfortable with. Replacing Carr under center will be Jimmy Garoppolo.
Garoppolo was with the New England Patriots to begin his career along with Ziegler and McDaniels, which is likely the biggest reason he is now the starter in Las Vegas. They are hoping to recreate some of the Patriots magic in Sin City, a strategy that has failed every one of Bill Belichick’s coaching tree members that branched out.
There is a lot of pressure on McDaniels and Garoppolo to find success in 2023, or some major moves could be on the horizon. There are some people connected in the NFL that believe Garoppolo will be one-and-done with the Raiders, as they will move on after the 2023 season.
If that is in fact what happens, Las Vegas needs a contingency plan at the quarterback position. More than likely, if they move on from Garoppolo, their 2024 starting quarterback isn’t on the roster. Unless the team is sold on 2023 fourth-round pick Aidan O’Connell becoming the starting quarterback, an addition will have to be made.
Bringing in a young, high-upside player would make the most sense. If Las Vegas isn’t in a position to select such a player in the 2024 NFL Draft, they could turn to the trade market and find the player they are seeking.
One player that could pique their interest is Malik Willis of the Tennessee Titans. Willis had a disastrous rookie season after being thrust into the starting lineup following an injury to Ryan Tannehill. Regarded by many as a raw, developmental prospect, it was clear Willis wasn’t ready to be playing in NFL games.
Alas, his future may not be in Tennessee. With a new front office regime in place, the Titans moved up in the second round to select Kentucky quarterback Will Levis in the 2023 NFL Draft. That could make Willis expendable and a team such as the Raiders should check in.
What could a trade between the teams look like? Las Vegas could offer a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft in exchange for the Liberty product. Even with reports of Willis looking better this offseason surfacing, their selection of Levis lets you know all you need to about how they feel about him.
Willis is someone that could use a change of scenery and the Raiders could be a good landing spot for him. He could be groomed to take over as the starter down the line, learning from Garoppolo and veteran backup Brian Hoyer.
If the Raiders can figure things out with Jacobs, a young quarterback could also thrive in this offense. Jacobs, and wide receiver Davante Adams are elite weapons. Jakobi Meyers was a solid pick-up in free agency and the team selected tight end Michael Mayer during the 2023 NFL Draft as well.
