Even if Aidan O’Connell has a strong finish, the Las Vegas Raiders will likely examine their quarterback situation after the season. The squad presently has the 11th choice in the draft, which may preclude them from picking one of the top quarterbacks.
Rather than trading up in the draft, the Raiders could attempt to bring in a veteran. According to CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso, the Chicago Bears would receive the Raiders’ second-round pick plus a conditional third-round pick that may turn into a second-round pick if Fields plays 75% of the snaps in 2024.
It’s intriguing to be able to add a quarterback with some upside without having to give up a first-round pick, but Fields comes with concerns.
Is Justin Fields the Right Person for the Job?
Whether Justin Fields makes sense in Las Vegas is mainly determined on who becomes the next head coach. In his brief career, Fields has shown to be a superior runner than a passer. Last season, he rushed for 1,143 yards while passing for 2,242.
Fields could benefit under a coach like Jim Harbaugh, who had success with mobile quarterback Colin Kaepernick while both were with the San Francisco 49ers. A pocket passer like Aidan O’Connell may be better suited to a coach like Detroit Lions head coach Ben Johnson.
What Should Las Vegas Raiders Do at QB?
Fields appears to have untapped talent, and the Bears have been a poorly coached team throughout his three seasons in Chicago. Perhaps partnering with a brilliant offensive mind can help him become a more balanced player. He has all the talent in the world, but whether he can be a great quarterback remains to be seen. Two second-round picks for an unknown athlete would be a significant gamble.
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Derek Carr was the Raiders’ quarterback for nine years, but he wasn’t good enough to send the team over the hump. Jimmy Garoppolo was called in to replace him, but he struggled and was benched. Aidan O’Connell has shown sparks, but his lack of athleticism and age of 25 make him unlikely to be a long-term option.
The Raiders can’t afford to be without a quarterback for too long. Justin Fields is an intriguing athlete, but he has some major red flags. The best option for Las Vegas may be to choose a quarterback early. They are unlikely to land USC’s Caleb Williams or UNC’s Drake Maye, but they may be able to land LSU’s Jayden Daniels or Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. While each rookie carries some risk, the rewards might be substantial if the Raiders discover the perfect rookie quarterback.
