The Las Vegas Raiders have been searching for a competent starting quarterback for years. Derek Carr played well for the franchise — he was a four-time Pro Bowler — but his replacements have held back the team over the past two seasons. With Pete Carroll now in place as head coach, the Raiders should be an improved team in 2025. However, Carroll will likely want to solidify the quarterback position immediately. Here are five options for Vegas this offseason:
Run It Back: Aidan O’Connell
If the Raiders opt to go with a familiar face next season, O’Connell makes the most sense. The former Purdue passer has started 17 games for Vegas over the past two seasons. While he has not done much to position himself as a future stalwart with the team, he has also done a decent job for a fourth-round pick. O’Connell has tossed 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. In Year 2, Vegas went 2-5 in games that O’Connell started.
Trade Up: Cam Ward
Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, two quarterbacks are battling to be the top passer taken off the board — Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. With the No. 6 pick, Vegas is not guaranteed an opportunity to select Ward or Sanders. Should the Titans opt against taking a QB, however, Vegas may have a way to snag one of the collegiate stars. Ward is an experienced passer and is coming off a prolific season. Following two years at Washington State, Ward played for Miami last year. Ward was the best QB for much of the season and finished with a nation-leading 39 TD passes and over 4,300 yards. The fourth-place finisher in the Heisman vote, Ward appears to be the most pro-ready QB in the draft.
Last Hurrah: Aaron Rodgers
If the New York Jets decide they’ve had enough of Aaron Rodgers, could the Raiders swoop in to give the all-time great one last chance to shine? Rodgers was clearly not himself last season after returning from a torn Achilles. His mobility was limited and he appeared hesitant to push the ball downfield at times. Still, Rodgers threw for just under 3,900 yards and 28 touchdowns. Carroll wouldn’t have to worry about coaching up a young QB and the pair likely holds a lot of respect for each other. While he is no longer an MVP-caliber player, Rodgers can still produce enough to represent an upgrade for the Raiders.
Free Agent $$$: Sam Darnold
The Raiders have $73.2 million in projected cap space for 2025. There are many areas that need improvement, but QB is the most important position to fix. Darnold is coming off a career year with the Minnesota Vikings in which he threw for 4,300 yards and a career-high 35 TD. Additionally, Darnold led his team to a 14-3 record in the regular season. Pete Carroll has a good track record helping develop QBs — at USC and with the Seahawks — and Darnold may give Vegas a better chance to win than one of the top rookies. At 27 years old, Darnold could theoretically become Vegas’ QB of the future if he succeeds, as well.
Son of Prime: Shedeur Sanders
There is something about this possibility that just feels right. Sanders doesn’t possess the elite athletic ability that his father had, but he is a talented passer with above-average accuracy. In two years as Colorado’s quarterback, Sanders threw for over 7,300 yards and completed 71.8-percent of his passes. This past season, Sanders completed 74.0-percent for 4,134 yards and 37 TD. He wouldn’t shy away from the attention that being the QB of the Raiders brings, and he would certainly generate national interest. Of the two top QBs in the draft, Sanders appears like a more likely option at No. 6 should the Raiders stay put.
