The Las Vegas Raiders hired head coach Pete Carroll with two goals in mind: build a strong culture for the future and win games in the present. The first goal is accomplished simply by Carroll bringing the mindset and energy he always did with the Seattle Seahawks.
However, the second is much tougher for Las Vegas to accomplish, especially if the quarterback room is still highlighted by Aidan O’Connell and Desmond Ridder. That likely won’t be the case, as the Raiders are expected to add a QB in either the 2025 NFL Draft, free agency, or the trade market.
The trade market is the most unlikely route but also potentially the most beneficial in the short term for Carroll to lead the team to victories.
Raiders Predicted To Add $112 Million MVP Aaron Rodgers
There’s truly no telling where or if Aaron Rodgers will suit up next season. Anyone who claims they understand what Rodgers is thinking in terms of his NFL future is rather foolish, as only Rodgers knows.
However, there will be plenty of speculation in the coming months about his future in the league, including a potential team-up with Carroll on the Raiders. Pro Football Network’s Ben Rolfe predicts the Raiders will bring in the four-time MVP.
“There aren’t many free agent options that would transform a team into an instant challenger. Carroll may think he can do it with Russell Wilson, but that would be a risk,” Rolfe wrote. “Rodgers, though, could be available for a trade and potentially make Vegas a challenger. Of course, that’s a risk, given what we saw from him last season. He ranked lower in PFN’s Quarterback+ than Wilson last season, so by no means is it a slam-dunk.”
Rodgers recorded 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while leading the team to a 5-12 record in his first true season with the New York Jets. If the 41-year-old goes to Las Vegas, star wide receiver Davante Adams’ future is one to monitor closely. He’s likely already burned bridges with the Raiders’ organization, meaning Adams may not follow his longtime QB.
Aaron Rodgers at 41 vs Tom Brady at 41 pic.twitter.com/2kPjZAJGBo
— Doctor Barry (@SquashCentel) January 31, 2025
“Part owner of the Raiders, Tom Brady won a Super Bowl at 44 years old,” Rolfe wrote. “If anyone would know how to help get the best out of Rodgers at 41, it would be Brady.”
“Picking sixth in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Raiders are unlikely to see either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders fall to them. A trade-up to get either would be expensive, and there’s no guarantee it would be any more successful than a gamble on Rodgers,” Rolfe concluded.
Carroll will likely hold a heavy influence on which QB he’s coaching in the coming years, meaning Wilson or a rookie could take priority over the struggling Rodgers.
