john spytek
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Las Vegas Raiders GM John Spytek.
The Las Vegas Raiders are seemingly done making splash moves this offseason, but there are still some important positions to fill. Aidan O’Connell is the only quarterback on the roster right now, but that will change when the team uses the No. 1 pick on Fernando Mendoza.
However, the Raiders want to add a veteran quarterback to help mentor the rookie. Luckily, there are still some appealing options available on the open market. We’re going to go through some of the players the Raiders should give a call.
Kirk Cousins
The Athletic has already reported that the Raiders have a real interest in Kirk Cousins, so this would be the least surprising addition. He’s not the most exciting name at this stage in his career, but he makes a ton of sense in Las Vegas.
Mendoza has drawn a lot of comparisons to Cousins. They have similar personalities and play in a similar way. Plus, new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak was Cousins’ quarterback coach and offensive coordinator when they were both with the Minnesota Vikings.
Cousins knows the offense well and would be a valuable person in the building for Mendoza. The only potential problem here is that Cousins might not be keen on working with another rookie quarterback after what happened with the Atlanta Falcons. He might find it preferable to go to a team where he has a better chance of holding onto a starting job. If that team doesn’t materialize, then the Raiders could be his best option.
Derek Carr
Similar to Cousins, former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr also has experience in Kubiak’s offense. The two worked together for a year in New Orleans, and the quarterback has spoken very highly of the coach.
Plus, he has expressed interest in returning to the Raiders and mentoring Mendoza. The problem here is that Carr is still technically under contract with the Saints. It may require a trade to get him. The Saints aren’t going to ask for much, but do the Raiders even want to give up a late-round pick for him? Now, New Orleans could do Carr a solid and simply release him from his contract since he did them a solid last year by retiring. That said, he’s not going to get another contract like the one he’s currently on, so the only way to get him might be through a trade.
Carr is the Raiders’ all-time leading passer, so getting a chance for one last ride could be an exciting story. However, it could take away from Mendoza’s rookie season. If the Raiders don’t want to play Mendoza as a rookie, Carr is their best option, but if the hope is to get him on the field early, they should look elsewhere.
Tyrod Taylor
There are many names this final slot could go to. Many like the idea of Joe Flacco, but he’s already admitted that he doesn’t think it’s his job to mentor a young quarterback. Everybody wants to see Tom Brady back on the field, and he clearly still has some juice, but the NFL implemented a rule that owners can’t play on the field.
That leaves us with Tyrod Taylor. Now, this is a pick if the Raiders believe that Mendoza can be a Week 1 starter. Taylor has extensive experience as a backup and working with rookies. He can also play in a pinch.
He’s a mature veteran who understands his role. Plus, he’d bring some athleticism to the quarterback room. Though at 36, he’s not as athletic as he once was, he still had 143 rushing yards in just six games last season.