For the second straight year, the Las Vegas Raiders will go into the offseason in need of a starting quarterback.
This wasn’t always the plan as they signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year contract in March because they wanted him to be their starter. He lasted just six starts before being benched in favor of Aidan O’Connell.
Aidan O’Connell hasn’t done enough this season to solidify his spot as the starting quarterback in 2024.
The Raiders could pursue another expensive veteran or they could just make a trade to nab a young QB in the draft.
Dalton Miller of Pro Football Network pitched a trade for the team that would send the Raiders’ 2024 first- and second-round picks along with a 2025 first-round pick and a 2025 second-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals for the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft.
Once they got that pick, Vegas would then draft North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.
“Does this feel like a ton to give up? Yes, it absolutely does,” Miller wrote in a mock draft. “However, we saw the Texans trade a similar package a season ago for the same pick from No. 12, and they weren’t paying the quarterback tax.
“The Raiders have other needs, sure, but until they have a quarterback on the roster, the rest doesn’t mean much of anything. If Maye can develop into the player we believe he can be, they could trade their entire draft, and it would be worth it for a 15-year franchise QB.”
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Maye announced last week that he was declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft after three seasons with the Tar Heels, including two as the team’s starter. Maye led UNC to a 17-9 record, earning ACC Player of the Year honors in 2022 and leading the ACC in yards passing again this season.
After throwing for 4,321 yards with 38 touchdowns to just 7 interceptions in 2022, his numbers dipped in 2023 as he threw for 3,608 yards with 24 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in 12 starts for 8-4 Tar Heels.
However, his upside his high and the Raiders could use that right now.
