Silver And Black Pride
Returning Raider Nation’s questions for the week
The offseason is in full swing as the NFL Combine starts next week, so get prepared for some Las Vegas Raiders free agency and NFL Draft rumors to start flying off the shelves. To get things started, let’s dive into this week’s mailbag and talk about the Raiders’ quarterback situation.
Q: I remember when Pete Carroll went after Matt Flynn and Charlie Whitehurst. Are there any under-the-radar guys that were always whispered about having potential? See anyone in the league like that now? The easy answer is Joe Milton I suppose.
A: I think Milton is an option if the Patriots are willing to trade him in the offseason. But one player who fits the mold of the two guys you mentioned above is Kyle Trask.
John Spytek was a part of the Buccaneers’ front office when they used a second-round pick on Trask to serve as Tom Brady’s backup and potential heir apparent. However, Tampa Bay ended up signing Baker Mayfield after Brady retired and Trask has remained a backup over the last two years.
Similar to what Carroll did with the Seahawks in 2012 by signing Flynn and drafting Russell Wilson, I could see a situation where the Raiders sign Trask and use a second- or third-round pick on a guy like Jaxson Dart, Will Howard or Tyler Shough.
Another name to throw out there is Zach Wilson, who has talent that could be worth taking a low-risk flier on. Also, it would be interesting to see Trey Lance in Chip Kelly’s offense given Lance’s rushing ability, but I don’t have confidence in him as a passer.
Q: Are either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders worth trading a couple of high draft picks for, or would it be better to stay at six, keep the picks, and grab a QB in the second or third round?
A: Understandably, I’ve gotten this question a few times this offseason. I’m intrigued by Ward’s arm talent and think he has a legitimate shot at being a quality starting quarterback in the league, so I’d be willing to trade up for him. That being said, something like what the Panthers gave up to get Bryce Young would be too rich for my blood.
However, I’m not that high on Sanders and would prefer to see the Raiders sit back and let him fall to them or take someone else at six if he gets drafted in the top five picks.
A: I would imagine Sam Darnold gets a long-term contract this offseason after taking the one-year “prove-it” deal last spring, so I think the Raiders would address other positions in the draft this year.
Unlike the veteran quarterbacks mentioned above, Darnold has a good year as a starter under his belt which gives him more leverage on the open market. Plus, he’s arguably the best quarterback available in free agency, so I don’t think Las Vegas will be his only potential destination.
I’d imagine Darnold’s...
