The Raiders want to be aggressive in finding their next franchise quarterback. There were loud rumblings coming out of the NFL Combine that the Raiders have already explored trading up for a quarterback in Round 1 of the NFL Draft.
However, with the top three quarterbacks all likely to be taken in the first four picks, it makes trading up from No. 13 very difficult. So if the Raiders execute a trade up, what other option might they have at the most important position in team sports?
In a recent article by NFL insider Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, he wrote about the best landing spots for recently released QB Russell Wilson. The Raiders were at the top of that list as it would keep Wilson in the AFC West. Here is what Fowler said about the fit:
This is honestly a pretty good fit. The Raiders will explore ways to trade up for a quarterback in the draft — coach Antonio Pierce has an affinity for Jayden Daniels from their Arizona State days — but moving from No. 13 to the top three is an arduous task.
The Raiders have not been linked to the Cousins and Mayfield free agencies. It is perhaps notable that Wilson listed Las Vegas as one of his four preferred destinations amid talk of a trade from Seattle in 2021. He would relish the chance to play with Davante Adams, too.
The benefit of Wilson joining the Raiders is that he would be cheap. Due to offset language in Wilson’s contract, the next team won’t be on the hook for a big deal. Instead, it’s likely that he’ll sign a veteran minimum contract, which would be very appealing to a team like the Raiders.
Even if the Raiders do trade up in Round 1, adding Wilson to their roster makes sense. He’s a better option than Aidan O’Connell and would give the Raiders average quarterback play. Now that he is officially available, Wilson does seem like a QB who the Raiders would show some interest in this offseason.
