Having Patrick Mahomes as a direct rival is difficult-just ask the Buffalo Bills. But facing him twice a year is a nightmare that can lead teams to consider even the most shocking solutions, just as the Las Vegas Raiders did a couple of years ago. But did that include the unthinkable-acquiring Mahomes himself?
Mahomes has dominated the AFC West since joining the Chiefs in 2017, leading the team to first-place finishes for eight consecutive seasons. For the Raiders, he has been a recurring nightmare.
In 14 games against Las Vegas, Mahomes has secured 12 wins and suffered only two losses, torching the Silver and Black defense with 4,141 yards, 33 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. Frustrated by their repeated losses, the Raiders went in search of a quarterback capable of matching Mahomes. But did they ever consider Patrick himself?
Did the Raiders inquire about Mahomes?
In a recent interview, Raiders general manager John Spytek revealed the extent of his team’s quarterback search two years ago.
“Pete [Carroll] and I weren’t just blowing smoke,” Spytek said. “We meant it when we said we’d look everywhere for a quarterback.”
Determined to find the right fit, Spytek recalled, “We called teams just to see. I’d be embarrassed to tell you some of the players we probably asked about trading for, but you just never know.”
Reporters couldn’t resist pressing him further-did the Raiders’ inquiries include Chiefs general manager Brett Veach?
After all, desperate times call for desperate measures. If beating Mahomes seemed impossible, then acquiring him would have been the perfect solution. However, Spytek shut down the speculation.
“We didn’t go that far, you know?” he admitted, acknowledging that such a trade was never realistic.
Geno Smith: The Raiders’ missing piece?
Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll’s exhaustive search eventually led to a trade for Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks.
“With Geno in particular, Pete has a history with him, and he’s played his best football for Pete,” Spytek explained. “And he played well last year, too.”
The Raiders paid a hefty price, trading away a third-round pick and taking on the $75 million remaining on Smith’s contract. Last season, Las Vegas finished with a dismal 4-13 record, but Spytek believes the team is on the right path with Smith under center.
“It’s a work in progress, but he’s been awesome so far,” he said.
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