For the first time in nine years, the Las Vegas Raiders need a new starting quarterback plan. As the Silver and Black look toward the future in the post-Derek Carr era, they should make an aggressive move for C.J. Stroud, who's an ideal fit for head coach Josh McDaniels' offense.
With $48.4 million in cap space and the No. 7 overall pick, general manager Dave Ziegler has three options to address the game's most important position.
Option 1: sign a high-priced free-agent quarterback such as Jimmy Garoppolo, who's familiar with McDaniels from their time in New England between 2014 and 2017.
Option 2: select the best passer available with his first draft pick.
Option 3: take a big swing by acquiring Aaron Rodgers if the Green Bay Packers make him available.
Ziegler should forget the wait for Rodgers, who could cost two first-round picks along with a third-rounder or a "player of significance," per The Athletic's Matt Schneidman, and $59.5 million in guarantees. Secondly, he's better off bypassing a bidding competition for an injury-prone quarterback in Garoppolo, who's missed 18 games since 2020. And lastly, why allow other teams to dictate your choices in the draft?
Ziegler should take matters into his own hands to land Stroud. With almost $50 million in cap space, the Raiders can afford a calculated risk for a quarterback on a rookie contract. They have the cap resources to overhaul the defense in free agency, which leaves room to dangle premium picks in a move up for a quarterback of their choice.
