When the 2023 NFL Draft rolled around, former Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler had his sights set on C.J. Stroud. According to a fresh story from SI’s Hondo Carpenter, Ziegler wanted to trade up to get the QB. However, ex-coach Josh McDaniels blocked what may have been a chance for Las Vegas to have a legitimate quarterback.
The Houston Texans selected Stroud second overall, while the Raiders signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year deal.
Ziegler also wanted to re-sign Jarrett Stidham and bring in Jacoby Brissett to compete for the starting quarterback position and offer depth. And then drafting Stroud would set them up for future success by putting mobile, offense-savvy quarterbacks behind him.
According to Carpenter, McDaniels had “nothing to do with that plan” and “was hellbent” on Garoppolo — with whom he already had a relationship during their time together with the New England Patriots — being the starter.
Garoppolo’s injury history concerned Ziegler. Furthermore, “despite all of the health issues that he had and Dave’s incessant warnings that it was a mistake, Josh got his way,” Carpenter said.
As McDaniels discovered, getting your way isn’t always for the best. Despite the Texans’ struggles, Stroud has passed for 3,266 yards and 19 touchdowns in 11 games. Garoppolo, who has been plagued by injuries this season, threw only seven touchdowns and nine interceptions and was eventually benched in favor of rookie Aidan O’Connell after Week 8.NFL fans can bet on Massachusetts sports online by using appealing promo codes from prominent online sportsbooks. For big new user bonuses, enter the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code.
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