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Five impact free agents Las Vegas Raiders should target to fill critical roster needs

Moe Moton — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:34:55 +0000

Scott Galvin-Imagn ImagesScott Galvin-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders made their biggest moves before the NFL’s legal tampering period, signing Maxx Crosby to a massive extension and acquiring Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks. Yet fans seem antsy about the lack of activity on the free-agent market.

Based on the few deals Las Vegas made after locking Crosby into a long-term contract, general manager John Spytek isn’t interested in overpaying for average or slightly above-average talent — that includes in-house players set to test the open market.

Las Vegas let Robert Spillane, Nate Hobbs, and Tre’Von Moehrig sign big-money deals elsewhere. However, the front office retained Adam Butler and Malcolm Koonce.

The Raiders have been conservative through the first wave of signings, though several quality free agents are still available on the official first day of the new league year.

Who should they target? Here are five free agents who can fill the Raiders’ needs.

Running back Rico Dowdle

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The Raiders don’t have a clear-cut starting running back on their roster. Zamir White doesn’t seem fit for Chip Kelly’s offense, which features inside zone blocking and execution for an effective run game. Rico Dowdle could be a low-cost signing who shares the workload with an incoming rookie. Last season with the Dallas Cowboys, he rushed for a career-high 1,079 yards and two touchdowns, logging 112-plus-yard rushing performances in four of the last six weeks of the season.

Cornerback Mike Hilton

Las Vegas lost cornerback Nate Hobbs to the Green Bay Packers, leaving a void in the slot. Jeremy Chinn could be the nickelback, though he may primarily play the safety positions with a third cornerback on the field. If so, Mike Hilton can fill the primary slot cornerback role. He’s a feisty defender who gets into the backfield, logging 12 tackles for loss in consecutive seasons. At 31, Hilton is still among the league’s best slot cover men.

Wide receiver Elijah Moore

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In four seasons, two with the New York Jets and two with the Cleveland Browns, Elijah Moore has spent most of his career catching passes from Zach Wilson and Deshaun Watson. In a better quarterback situation, he could post far better receiving numbers. He’s yet to rack up more than 640 receiving yards in a single term, but the 24-year-old has intriguing upside if paired with a solid starter like Geno Smith.

Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.

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If defensive coordinator Patrick Graham prefers a big nickel alignment with a safety rather than a slot cornerback, the Raiders could look for an upgrade over Jack Jones on the boundary. Head coach Pete Carroll has a history of working with bigger defensive backs, but Graham favors athletic cornerbacks who are around 6-foot. Asante Samuel Jr. may be a shade under that mark in height, but he has the athleticism and tracks the ball well. Samuel has recorded at least 11 pass breakups and two interceptions in three out of four campaigns.

Guard Brandon Scherff

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Early in Brandon Scherff’s career, he dealt with injuries that cost him significant time, but he hasn’t missed a game since his 2021 Pro Bowl season. The 10-year veteran is one of the league’s best pass-blocking guards. According to Pro Football Focus, Scherff has allowed just two sacks over the last two years and didn’t allow one last season. He would be a better starting option than Dylan Parham at right guard and bring valuable veteran leadership to a young offensive line.

Maurice Moton covers the Raiders for Sportsnaut. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.

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NFL rumors: Seattle Seahawks initially wanted franchise-altering swap in Geno Smith trade to Las Vegas Raiders

Matt Higgins — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 16:26:54 +0000

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The NFL world was rocked Friday night after the Seattle Seahawks surprisingly traded quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2025 third-round draft pick.

Smith resurrected his career in Seattle while new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll was still leading the Seahawks’ sideline. The veteran signal-caller blossomed into a two-time Pro Bowler and captured the Comeback Player of the Year award in 2022 under Carroll’s guidance.

Smith is coming off a 2024 season where he posted career-highs in passing yards (4,320) and completion percentage (70.4%), while tossing 21 touchdowns. However, he also threw 15 interceptions (third-most in the NFL) and recorded his lowest QBR (53.8) in three years as Seattle’s starter.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Seahawks were working to extend Smith, who enters the final year of his three-year, $75 million contract. When extension talks stalled, the Raiders and Seahawks struck a deal that significantly upgrades Las Vegas’ quarterback situation.

Back story: Seahawks were working to extend Geno Smith’s contract over the past week. When progress was not being made, the Raiders stepped in and showed interest in acquiring Smith. With Seattle struggling to get a new deal done with Smith, they opted for the third-round pick…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2025

The Raiders limped to a 4-13 finish last season while cycling through a quarterback carousel of Aidan O’Connell, Gardner Minshew, and Desmond Ridder. The team had previously announced they were releasing Minshew before landing Smith.

With the trade now complete, an NFL insider has revealed what the Seahawks initially wanted in their trade talks for Smith.

NFL insider reveals bold trade package Seattle Seahawks proposed to Las Vegas Raiders

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According to Sports Illustrated’s NFL insider Albert Breer, the Seahawks swung for the fences in their initial Smith trade proposal.

“The Seahawks opened trade discussions with the Raiders with this blockbuster proposal—Geno Smith and DK Metcalf to Vegas for Maxx Crosby. Vegas QUICKLY shot that down, and told Seattle that Crosby was not available,” Breer posted on X.

The Seahawks opened trade discussions with the Raiders with this blockbuster proposal—Geno Smith and DK Metcalf to Vegas for Maxx Crosby. Vegas QUICKLY shot that down, and told Seattle that Crosby was not available.

But talks continued, and led to Geno becoming a Raider.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 8, 2025

The Raiders refused to part with their franchise cornerstone in Crosby, who recently signed a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension with $91 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

Meanwhile, Metcalf had already requested a trade from the Seahawks before they dealt Smith. Seattle’s front office was reportedly upset with the star wide receiver for making his announcement on the same day the franchise released fan favorite Tyler Lockett.

With Smith now headed to Vegas, the Seahawks are rumored to be targeting Sam Darnold as their next quarterback, a move that could cost them up to $40 million per year.

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Las Vegas Raiders rumors reveal strategy to find starting QB, potential Pro Bowl trade target

Matt Johnson — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:03:44 +0000

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The Las Vegas Raiders were at the center of NFL rumors for a potential Matthew Stafford trade before he ultimately stayed with the Los Angeles Rams. With the top veteran quarterback option off the board, Las Vegas is quickly pivoting to secondary choices.

Just days out from NFL free agency, Las Vegas has already been connected to the likes of Justin Fields, Sam Darnold, Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers. Wilson has ties to new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll while Rodgers’ relationship with team owner Tom Brady makes Las Vegas a potential landing spot.

There have also been persistent NFL rumors regarding the possibility of Las Vegas either drafting a rookie quarterback with the sixth overall pick or trading up for one in the 2025 NFL Draft. For now, adding a veteran is the focus and one new name is emerging.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Raiders are currently exploring veteran quarterback options right now. The team is reportedly open to trading for a ‘current’ starting quarterback and there’s one specific option being tied to the team already.

Geno Smith stats (ESPN): 4,320 passing yards, 21-15 TD-INT, 70.4% completion rate, 93.2 QB rating

Senior NFL report Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports wrote that he spoke with two league sources who believe that Geno Smith is a “possibility” to be the Raiders starting quarterback in 2025.

“Two league sources believe there is a possibility that the Las Vegas Raiders could pursue a trade for Seahawks QB Geno Smith after striking out on Stafford. That would reunite Smith with Raiders head coach Pete Carroll and open up a quarterback slot in Seattle, potentially putting Darnold in play for the Seahawks.”
Charles Robinson on a potential Geno Smith trade to the Las Vegas Raiders

Geno Smith contract (Spotrac): $38.5 million cap hit in 2025

Smith has been an excellent starter in recent years. Over the last three seasons, he owns a 71-35 TD-INT ratio with a 95.5 QB rating, 27 wins and one of the highest completion rates (68.5 percent) over that span. It’s particularly impressive considering he’s been one of the highest-pressured quarterbacks in the last three years, playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL.

Carroll is very familiar with what Smith can do and Las Vegas would offer him a chance to play behind a better offensive line. There have also been NFL rumors about the Raiders potentially signing wide receiver Tyler Lockett, who was just released by the Seattle Seahawks. If Seattle decides to trade DK Metcalf, it could result in a domino effect that leads to Smith also being traded.

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Las Vegas Raiders could be plotting blockbuster trade in 2025 NFL Draft

Andrew Buller-Russ — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 17:04:12 +0000

Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesKirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders have a quarterback conundrum on their hands. Last year’s circus involved Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell and Desmond Ridder.

That trio led to a 4-13 record, earning the Raiders the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Minshew was released on Wednesday and Ridder won’t be coming back next season either. That ensures the Raiders will have to add at least one, if not two quarterbacks this offseason.

Yet, the Raiders aren’t just trying to add quarterbacks, they’re looking to find an impact starter who can help them compete in the AFC West. To do so, they may have to make an aggressive move in the 2025 NFL Draft.

NFL insider speculates on Las Vegas Raiders trading for No. 1 pick

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With just two quarterbacks most commonly projected to be drafted in the first round, the Las Vegas Raiders may not be in position to land the one they covet. University of Miami’s Cam Ward is in play to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Tennessee Titans, but they’re reportedly more than open to discussing a trade out of the top spot.

According to Sportskeeda’s NFL insider Tony Pauline, the Raiders could be in play to trade for the first overall pick as Tennessee “looks to move the selection.”

“Tennessee will look to move this selection, possibly to the Giants or Raiders.”
Tony Pauline on Titans/Raiders trade

If the Raiders traded into the top spot, the assumption is that they’d do so with the intention to draft Ward as opposed to University of Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, yet the organization’s ties to his father Deion Sanders are notable.

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Seahawks’ huge DK Metcalf trade asking price for potential suitors like Raiders, Patriots, Chargers and Chiefs revealed

Jason Burgos — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 14:21:56 +0000

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A new rumor has revealed what it would take teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, and New England Patriots to complete a blockbuster DK Metcalf trade this offseason.

With the Super Bowl now in the distance, the NFL offseason is really starting to heat up. The 2025 NFL Draft is just a month away and NFL free agency starts next week. However, the trade market is setting up to be a busy part of the spring for many franchises around the league.

Last week, Los Angeles Rams star Matthew Stafford was in serious discussions about a potential trade. Multi-time Pro Bowler Jonathan Allen is up for grabs, and another huge name was added to trade rumors this week when it was reported Seattle Seahawks great DK Metcalf requested a trade out of town. The two-time Pro Bowler is in search of a new contract that the team is not interested in giving him.

Since the news broke, a plethora of franchises have been linked to the gifted receiver as a potential landing spot. But how much will it cost interested teams to get a deal done? Well, on Thursday, The Athletic NFL insider Dianna Russini shed some light on the current price to complete a DK Metcalf trade this offseason.

Seattle Seahawks looking for a first round pick in DK Metcalf trade

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“The Seahawks are seeking a first and third-round pick for WR DK Metcalf, per sources,” Russini revealed in a post on X. That is a sizable asking price for a very good, but not great receiver.

In comparison, the Kansas City Chiefs received five draft picks, but only one in the first round when they moved Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins in 2022. He was already a seven-time Pro Bowler and, arguably, the game’s best receiver at that time.

The same year, the Green Bay Packers received two picks, one in the first round, when they traded Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders. He was a six-time Pro Bowler at that point, and also in the discussion as the game’s best pass catcher.

Negotiations always start high. But the Seattle Seahawks will need to bring that price down if they want the Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, and other likely suitors to make a real effort to complete a deal. Especially since Russini added that DK Metcalf “is also eyeing a new contract worth around $30M per year.”

DK Metcalf stats (2024): 66 catches, 992 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns, 15.0 yards per catch.

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Six bold Las Vegas Raiders free agency predictions, including signing Sam Darnold and Najee Harris

Moe Moton — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 18:41:33 +0000

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Two days before the new league starts on March 12, NFL teams can negotiate with players who have agents during the legal tampering period. The Las Vegas Raiders may be one of the most active teams, with the second-most cap space and numerous needs to address across the roster.

The Raiders’ most important decision will come down to the quarterback position. After a failed attempt to acquire Matthew Stafford from the Los Angeles Rams, the Silver and Black will likely sign at least one veteran signal-caller in free agency. Las Vegas will cut quarterback Gardner Minshew II, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Raiders expected to release QB Gardner Minshew at start of new league year next week. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/nmb16Jkt0m
— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2025

With a new group of offensive coaches, the Raiders may focus heavily on acquisitions for that side of the ball to support their quarterback. Still, they cannot neglect defensive needs at linebacker and cornerback.

Here are six final predictions for whom the Raiders may sign or part ways with in free agency.

Raiders sign quarterback Sam Darnold

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Equipped with $96.3 million in cap space, the Raiders won’t flinch in their negotiations with Sam Darnold, who could sign a contract worth up to $40 million annually. Darnold is coming off a Pro Bowl season with the Minnesota Vikings, throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions with a 66.2 percent completion rate. He will command a big contract.

Yes, Darnold is a risky pickup at his projected pay rate, but the Raiders can give themselves a two-year out in his contract and still draft a quarterback in case he flops in Las Vegas.

Raiders sign running back Najee Harris

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According to PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh, Najee Harris has been linked to the Raiders. Some may think this is an agent doing his job to ramp up a client’s market, but Harris is arguably the top running back in the free-agent class. He doesn’t need artificial buzz, and the Raiders must remake their backfield.

New head coach Pete Carroll has experience with bigger running backs like Marshawn Lynch and Chris Carson. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly worked with bruising ball-carriers like Zach Charbonnet and Quinshon Judkins. General manager John Spytek was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ director of player personnel when the team signed Leonard Fournette. At 6-foot-1, 242 pounds and durable — having suited up for every game in four seasons — Harris fits the mold Raiders brass covets in a tailback.

Safety Tre’von Moehrig signs elsewhere

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According to Spotrac, Tre’von Moehrig has a market value of $15.7 million annually. At that pay rate, he would be among the league’s top seven highest-paid safeties. The 25-year-old has accumulated impressive ball production over the last two years, registering five interceptions and 18 pass breakups. He will attract multiple offers.

If the Raiders allow Moehrig to test free agency, he’s less likely to return to Las Vegas. Fiscally shrewd teams get into bidding battles for elite players. Moehrig is a quality safety, but he’ll probably take the biggest contract, and it may not come from the Raiders, who need to fill needs at premium positions.

Raiders sign cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.

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Byron Murphy Jr. would be an ideal addition to the Raiders’ secondary. Las Vegas needs an upgrade over boundary cornerback Jack Jones, who allowed eight touchdowns last season, and slot cornerback Nate Hobbs will be a free agent.

According to Pro Football Focus, Murphy has played over 2,000 snaps in the slot and more than 3,000 snaps on the boundary. If the Raiders cut Jones or let Hobbs walk, he can fill either spot. Additionally, the ascending Pro Bowl cornerback has recorded nine interceptions and 27 pass breakups over the last two years with the Vikings.

Tight end Michael Mayer is traded to the Indianapolis Colts

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According to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed, the Raiders have had talks with teams inquiring about Michael Mayer. Because of tight end Brock Bowers’ immediate emergence as a star in an All-Pro rookie campaign, Las Vegas should try to move Mayer while he’s only 23 with upside but stuck in a backup role.

The Indianapolis Colts could be a logical fit for Mayer because they have two tight ends, Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson, set to become free agents. Indianapolis’ third-year tight end Jelani Woods hasn’t played since 2022 because of injuries. Mayer would be the Colts’ best tight end the moment he walks into their facility.

Raiders sign linebacker Dre Greenlaw

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Dre Greenlaw felt Carroll overlooked him during the 2019 pre-draft process, and he made sure to make his presence known in NFC West battles between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. Carroll knows who Greenlaw is now and would welcome him to the Silver and Black to solidify the middle of the defense.

Robert Spillane has an expiring contract, and even if the Raiders re-sign him, they need someone to replace Divine Deablo. Greenlaw can strengthen the linebacker unit with his speed and coverage ability. Before missing most of the 2024 season recovering from a torn Achilles, he recorded 10 pass breakups and an interception between 2022 and 2023.

Maurice Moton covers the Raiders for Sportsnaut. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.

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NFL rumors: Execs predict Las Vegas Raiders pass on QB in Round 1 of draft for overdue Josh Jacobs replacement

Jason Burgos — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 18:29:38 +0000

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A new report claims that the Las Vegas Raiders will pass on using their top pick in the NFL Draft on a rookie quarterback and instead target a player that could fill the void left by former star Josh Jacobs.

This will be an important next few months for the Raiders. After an awful 4-13 finish to the 2024 season, the organization completely cleaned house and is starting fresh with a new head coach and general manager in Pete Carroll and John Spytek. Fortunately for the new regime, they will have a top 10 pick in the NFL Draft and a boatload of cash to use in free agency.

Also Read: Maxx Crosby campaigns for future Hall of Famer to join Las Vegas Raiders

While they have the resources to make some big additions to the roster this offseason, they must prioritize fixing their problem at QB. Over the last few weeks, there has been a lot of speculation about how the organization will address the issue. Will they use their pick at sixth overall to get the best signal caller available or target a veteran QB on the open market?

Well, a new poll of executives around the league points to the silver-and-black not using their top pick in April on one of this year’s top RB prospects.

Will the Las Vegas Raiders use their top NFL Draft pick on Ashton Jeanty?

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“Pete is dead set on running the ball,” an exec told The Athletic this week. “He had Marshawn (Lynch) in Seattle. He is going to want the back here.”

The outlet spoke with several NFL executives and the consensus was that Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty would be the player the Las Vegas Raiders use the sixth overall pick on. It is a very high spot for a running back in 2025. However, the Boise State star made a huge jump in The Athletic’s updated big board following last week’s NFL Combine.

Furthermore, execs around the believe both Carroll and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly believe they can take a veteran QB to new heights under their guidance next season. “I could see Chip Kelly taking a Zach Wilson or somebody like that and reinventing him in his system,” another exec told the outlet.

While QB was a big problem for Las Vegas last season, Josh Jacobs’ absence played a huge role in their terrible showing on offense in 2024. Jeanty is a gifted back with the talent to fill that void and give the unit the spark it lacked last season.

Also Read: Las Vegas Raiders release Pro Bowler from roster

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Seattle Seahawks cut bait with former All-Pro, Las Vegas Raiders become immediate frontrunners

Andrew Buller-Russ — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 17:53:09 +0000

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesMark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The NFL offseason is suddenly delivering a boatload of news and rumors to keep football fans tuned into the next move. After the Kansas City Chiefs traded All-Pro Joe Thuney on Wednesday morning, the Seattle Seahawks kept things interesting by moving on from a former All-Pro.

Seattle Seahawks release Tyler Lockett, who could reunite with Pete Carroll on Las Vegas Raiders

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Tyler Lockett is the longest-tenured member of the Seattle Seahawks, having played all 10 of his seasons with the franchise that made him the 69th overall pick in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Lockett recorded 8,594 yards, sprinkling four 1,000-yard seasons across his tenure. He also earned one Pro Bowl nod and a first-team All-Pro selection.

Yet, according to multiple NFL outlets, the Seahawks have released Lockett from the team. In doing so, the Seahawks save $17 million in cap space, but take a $13.8 million dead cap charge to move on from the 32-year-old receiver.

He was just released, but Lockett is already free to sign with any team he chooses. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and ESPN’s Adam Schefter are already speculating on the possibility of the Las Vegas Raiders pursuing Lockett thanks to new head coach Pete Carroll’s familiarity with the longtime veteran.

Lockett fell to WR3 duties last season in Seattle, watching Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerge as the top option while DK Metcalf continued as WR2. Now, he’ll have a chance to head elsewhere as a complementary playmaker.

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Las Vegas Raiders release Pro Bowler from roster

Andrew Buller-Russ — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 16:34:26 +0000

Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesKirby Lee-Imagn Images

The NFL franchise tag window came and went with few surprises. As expected, the Raiders didn’t use the franchise tag on any of their free agents, but that doesn’t mean the front office isn’t still actively making roster moves.

With a week to go until NFL free agency kicks off on March 12, the Raiders have moved on from a Pro Bowl player they’ve recently acquired.

Las Vegas Raiders release Gardner Minshew, foreshadowing another QB move

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The worst-kept secret is that the Las Vegas Raiders will be getting a new quarterback this offseason. The question is, which one will they choose?

After turning to Aidan O’Connell, Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder last season, the Raiders have already made the decision to move on from two of their three starting quarterbacks from 2025. Ridder is a restricted free agent, but the Raiders have already informed him that he won’t be returning to Las Vegas next season.

Now, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Raiders have let Minshew know that he’ll be released too. He’ll be allowed to sign with any team he wishes, starting next Wednesday when the new league year begins.

Minshew arrived in Vegas after his lone Pro Bowl season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2023, signing a two-year, $25 million contract with the Raiders in free agency. He led them to a 2-7 record while passing for 2,013 yards with nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

In a season where the Raiders had a strong feeling that they wouldn’t be able to land one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft, Las Vegas turned to Minshew instead. It didn’t lead to the results they hoped for, and now it’s time to try a different option as Pete Carroll takes over.

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Maxx Crosby campaigns for future Hall of Famer to join Las Vegas Raiders

Andrew Buller-Russ — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 15:55:25 +0000

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn ImagesNathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Seemingly each offseason, Maxx Crosby trade rumors emerge due to the Las Vegas Raiders‘ inability to compete. He’s been in the NFL for six seasons and has earned Pro Bowl honors four times, yet he’s played in just one playoff game, coming back in 2021.

Now the Raiders enter a pivotal point, changing head coaches while hunting for a new franchise quarterback. Without an upgrade, good luck making the playoffs. Perhaps that’s why Crosby is trying to recruit a future Hall of Famer to town.

Maxx Crosby thinks Aaron Rodgers will bounce back, hopefully with Las Vegas Raiders

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Maxx Crosby knows the Las Vegas Raiders can’t afford to go through another season with Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell as their starting quarterback. The Raiders have enough cap space to chase after any free agent quarterback they want in a group that includes Sam Darnold, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields.

They also boast the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. But when it comes to addressing the quarterback position, Crosby hopes the Raiders turn to a future Hall of Famer, and he’s already on the recruiting trail.

Speaking on his podcast, Crosby spoke about how difficult it is to overcome the type of season-ending Achilles injury Aaron Rodgers suffered in his first season in New York. While doing so, Crosby noted that he has full belief in the future Hall of Fame QB bouncing back and that he hopes it happens with the Raiders.

“First year after an Achilles is one of the hardest things to do. I think with all the doubt, all the negativity around Aaron Rodgers, ‘Oh, he needs to retire,’ things like that, he’s getting cut by the Jets, I think he’s going to come back and have a — I know he’s 42 or 41, but I think he’s going to have a big year this year, and I hope it’s in our town. I think this year, fully healthy, full offseason, my prediction is he’s going to have a great year.”
Maxx Crosby on Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers may not have been able to help the Jets get back to the postseason, but the Raiders are similarly desperate to consider alternative QB options. At this point, why not take a chance on Rodgers returning to elite form?

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