The Las Vegas Raiders are facing a crucial offseason with a lot of work to do. Currently sitting at a disappointing 2-10 record, it’s clear that changes are needed. And the one position that stands out the most is at quarterback. According to NFL insider Jason Fitz, there’s one clear target for the Raiders: Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Raiders Need a QB Who Can Challenge Mahomes and Co.
Fitz dropped some intriguing insight, claiming that those close to the Raiders organization say owner Mark Davis is fully committed to Sanders. While making an appearance on the “Gojo and Golic” show, Fitz said, “Frankly the people I’ve talked to that know the Raiders well continually say that Mark Davis wants Shedeur Sanders. That’s real. Mark Davis is going to make Shedeur Sanders his quarterback.”
.@jasonfitz says his Raiders need to find a QB who they think they can turn into a Mahomes beater. And Vegas has a target in mind.
“I think both (Shedeur Sanders & Cam Ward) in a normal draft would be mid/late first-round type prospects, but…frankly, the people I've talked to… pic.twitter.com/iKGBok8VDu
— DraftKings Network (@DKNetwork) December 4, 2024
This move could be a game-changer for the franchise, as the Raiders have been desperately searching for consistency at quarterback since Derek Carr’s departure.
The Raiders are in a division stacked with elite talent. The Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, are 11-1 and reigning AFC West champions. The Chargers, boasting Justin Herbert and coach Jim Harbaugh, are sitting at 8-4. Even the Denver Broncos, with QB Bo Nix and Sean Payton at the helm, are performing well with an 8-5 record. The Raiders, on the other hand, are far behind at 2-10.
In such a competitive division, the Raiders can’t just settle for any quarterback. They need someone who can take down Mahomes and lead the charge in the AFC West. And Sanders might just be the guy to do it.
Raiders’ Aggressive Pursuit of a Quarterback for the Future
Fitz added more fuel to the fire, recalling a conversation from last year, stating that the Raiders went all-in to draft current Commanders QB Jayden Daniels.
Fitz: “I had people tell me last year, going into the draft, that the Raiders are prepared to offer as many as three first-rounders and two second-rounders to Washington to move up for Jayden Daniels. And the answer was no. So they’ve been trying to aggressively get a quarterback. I just, this year, think you’re finally at that spot.”
It’s clear the Raiders have been committed to upgrading the position for some time now, and Sanders might be their ticket to success.
Moreover, with Sanders’ incredible performance at Colorado, throwing for 3,926 yards and 35 touchdowns this season, it’s no wonder the Raiders are showing strong interest. Currently, he is one of the top quarterbacks in college football, and in the right situation, Sanders could make a huge impact in the NFL.