Report: Raiders considering drafting 1st-round QB despite Geno trade
The Las Vegas Raiders may not be done adding quarterbacks this year.
Las Vegas is still considering drafting a QB as early as the first round next month despite acquiring veteran Geno Smith in a stunning trade with the Seattle Seahawks on Friday, sources told The Athletic's Tashan Reed.
Las Vegas owns the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Raiders met with several quarterback prospects at the combine last month, including Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe, and Quinn Ewers. Las Vegas was reportedly impressed after going over film with Milroe and Ewers.
The team's QB depth chart also features Aidan O'Connell, who would presumably back up Smith if the season started today. The Raiders would be OK with having O'Connell as QB2 in 2025 if they don't draft a new passer, according to Reed.
Smith reportedly requested a trade after failing to reach an agreement with the Seahawks on a new contract. The 34-year-old is signed through the 2025 season but is apparently looking to sign a long-term deal with Las Vegas worth between $40 million and $45 million per year.
The Raiders hired Pete Carroll as head coach and John Spytek as general manager this year. They've leaned on Tom Brady - one of their minority owners - to solve their quarterback issues. Las Vegas started three different QBs in 2024 en route to finishing 4-13.
The Raiders showed interest in trading for Matthew Stafford last month before the veteran passer agreed to a new deal with the Los Angeles Rams.