The Las Vegas Raiders are in the midst of a major rebuild, and with Tom Brady now involved as a minority owner, big changes could be on the horizon.
One of the most pressing issues is the quarterback position, and recent reports suggest that the Raiders could be targeting Super Bowl-winning quarterback Matthew Stafford as part of their overhaul.
Gardner Minshew was brought in for the 2024 season with hopes of stabilizing the Raiders‘ quarterback situation, but his tenure has been far from successful. In 10 appearances, including nine starts, Minshew led the team to just two wins, prompting speculation that the Raiders will move on from him before the 2025 season.
Reports indicate that Las Vegas could release Minshew to free up cap space. If they part ways with him after June 1, they would save $9.3 million while absorbing a $4.6 million dead money hit. A pre-June 1 release would mean slightly lower savings-$6.3 million in cap space but a $7.6 million dead money charge.
The move to replace Minshew is not only about performance but also durability. The quarterback suffered a season-ending collarbone injury after a hit from Denver Broncos linebacker Cody Barton, leaving the Raiders scrambling to find consistency at the position.
Backup quarterbacks Desmond Ridder and Aidan O’Connell attempted to fill the void, but neither was able to elevate the team. With Brady now playing a role in shaping the franchise’s future, the search for a proven quarterback is a top priority.
The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star has already overseen the hiring of new general manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll. Now, the focus is on securing a leader under center.
Could Matthew Stafford be the answer?
With the AFC West remaining one of the toughest divisions in football, the Raiders need a quarterback capable of competing with the Kansas City Chiefs and the rest of the division. Matthew Stafford, who won Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams, could be an ideal target.
Stafford, now 37, showed he still has plenty left in the tank during the 2024 season, posting a 10-6 record with 3,762 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. However, with the Rams potentially looking to move on from him as they reshape their roster, the Raiders could see an opportunity.
Financially, the Rams would benefit from a post-June 1 release of Stafford, as it would allow them to split his $45.3 million cap hit over two years. This aligns with the Raiders’ reported interest, as Brady and his team evaluate the best way to bring in an experienced, high-level quarterback.
Could a Stafford trade include Cooper Kupp?
One interesting wrinkle in this situation is that the Rams have also made wide receiver Cooper Kupp available for trade. If the Raiders pursue Stafford, they could also look into acquiring Kupp to strengthen their receiving corps.
NFL insider Albert Breer has reported that multiple teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and Cleveland Browns, are also monitoring Stafford’s situation.
Additionally, Raiders head coach Pete Carroll could push for the team to explore a deal with Russell Wilson, who is searching for a new opportunity after leaving the Denver Broncos.
As the offseason unfolds, the Raiders‘ quarterback situation remains one of the most intriguing storylines in the NFL. With Brady’s influence and a roster shake-up in motion, the team’s next move could have a significant impact on the 2025 season and beyond.
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