The Las Vegas Raiders have been linked to top rookies Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward in the 2025 NFL Draft, but a new report claims the franchise might be looking in a different direction.
Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell sit atop the quarterback depth chart in Las Vegas. The franchise could decide to roll with either player in a stop-gap year. Or, more likely, the Raiders will look to add a new signal-caller via the draft or free agency in 2025.
Which method is the preferred one? Well, that is the hot topic of much debate in Sin City these days.
NFL Insider Says Raiders Prefer Veteran Quarterback
The Raiders own pick six in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. It’s a tricky spot since the two top quarterbacks in this year’s class — Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward — are expected to be off the board by the time they go on the clock. Las Vegas could trade up or sit around and hope someone falls to them.
That would be one option. The other is to go out and get a veteran quarterback. Matthew Stafford has been one name floated out in trade rumors as the Rams decide what to do.
There have also been conflicting reports over whether Raiders minority owner Tom Brady “hosted” Stafford at his Montana ranch.
#Raiders minority owner Tom Brady and #Rams QB Matthew Stafford ran into each other at a ski resort in Montana, sources say.
The meeting, unplanned, was not extensive or in-depth and did not include Brady “hosting” or “recruiting” Stafford, despite reports saying otherwise. pic.twitter.com/eUucyxzxsW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2025
Either way, the Raiders need a starting quarterback. The Athletic did a deep dive on their options at the most vital position on the football field, citing sources saying that Las Vegas would prefer to put a proven veteran under center in 2025 over an inexperienced rookie.
“There are members of the Raiders’ offensive coaching staff who prefer adding a proven veteran quarterback to taking a dice roll on a rookie quarterback, according to league sources,” The Athletic wrote.
“The 2025 draft class isn’t perceived to be deep at quarterback, and there’s a chance that the only options worth drafting in the first round will be gone by the time the Raiders are on the clock.
“If the Raiders don’t land Stafford, it’s unlikely that they’ll make a large financial commitment to another veteran quarterback who’s expected to be available this offseason, according to league sources.”
Is Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders in Play for Las Vegas?
Don’t rule out Sanders showing up as the would-be savior in Las Vegas. The Colorado standout had a Raiders’ hat hooked to his backpack while strolling through the NFL Combine the other day, plus several mock drafts have placed him in Las Vegas.
Shedeur Sanders was spotted walking around the NFL Combine wearing Browns, Vikings, and Saints hats hanging on his backpack.
Sanders is keeping all his options open 👀 pic.twitter.com/JBqsP8sYEg
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 27, 2025
PFSN predicted Sanders to drop to pick six in a mock draft after Ward goes to the New York Giants at pick three. Anything could happen. The draft is a crap shoot.
PFSN wrote: “If one of the top two quarterbacks is available here, it is difficult to see the Las Vegas passing on one. The Sanders family has a history with the Las Vegas Raiders, who desperately need competent play under center.
“Shedeur Sanders has a pro-ready skill set but doesn’t offer the sky-high ceiling that others do. The steady Colorado passer has great accuracy, processing, and pace control to be a game manager in the NFL.”
Meanwhile, a second PFSN mock draft slotted Sanders to the Giants at pick three. In that one, the Raiders are predicted to wait it out and select LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell at pick six in a move that could open the door for a Stafford trade.
Marco Enriquez wrote: “The Raiders have emerged as a major player in the Matthew Stafford sweepstakes. They have plenty of other holes on the roster, but if they do lure Stafford away from Los Angeles, they will need to make sure they are protecting their veteran quarterback.
“Will Campbell shows strong blocking fundamentals and balanced footwork. His pass protection is generally sound, but he needs to continue refining his lateral quickness and technique to counter faster, more agile defenders.
“He is a candidate to move inside if a team has concerns about his length. Campbell would immediately provide a reliable young option for the Raiders, who are building their new-look offense around phenom Brock Bowers.”