Derek Carr is out; who will be the Raiders’ next quarterback (QB)? After trading for a star wide receiver (WR) in DeVante Adams, the Raiders must place the right pieces around him, or he, too, could be moved. The Raiders hold the seventh pick in this upcoming draft and will have the decision to make come this offseason: do we blow up shop and start a rebuild, or do we make the moves necessary to contend now? The question will loom all off-season for the Raiders, and their off-season will look utterly different once it’s answered.
Say the Raiders decide to blow up shop. They have to get a young QB, and you have to move Adams, as it is unlikely he wants to be part of a rebuild. The Raiders could package the seventh pick and Adams to move up to first and select whatever QB they want. Ensuring a rebuild is on the way, and in 2024 the Raiders would most likely be in the same boat as they are now, at the top of the draft order.
Suppose the Raiders want to compete with the pieces they have. They should reunite Adam’s former teammate, Aaron Rodgers. Using the seventh pick, a first-rounder next year, and some later draft capital, the Raiders should be able to lure Rodgers to Sin City. They will prove they can win games and push for the playoffs with the combination of Rodgers and Adams.
In this scenario, the Raiders must lock up star running back Josh Jacobs. Doing this would give the Raiders a top-tier QB-WR-RB trio. The pieces around these guys would be above average as well. Hunter Renfrow is an excellent slot receiver; the offensive line is decent, and other receivers need upgrading.
After deciding what direction the Raiders want to go, a decision on Darren Waller is next in line. Waller has had his ups and downs. Before 2022, many considered him a top-five tight end (TE) in the league. After a season filled with injuries and lackluster performance, it is safe to say his future with the team is in jeopardy (Aaron Rodgers, pun intended). With a QB like Rodgers, Waller would have a reassurance year, and he could show Raiders fans that he can still be their franchise TE.
If the Raiders decide to part ways with him, they should see if they can get draft capital, and they can then turn and use that capital to try and land defensive prospects. Outside of Maxx Crosby, this defense needs more star power. The Raiders were supposed to compete for the division this year, but that was not the case. Having a star QB reunite with the best receiver in football should push them over the hump. In a division dominated by the Chiefs, the Raiders can make the moves to dethrone the AFC Champions.