Cam Ward’s future in the NFL remains uncertain until the 2025 Draft in late April, but his list of potential destinations is becoming clearer as the Las Vegas Raiders and Pete Carroll emerge as one of the leading candidates.
A standout among the quarterback prospects, Ward’s stock continued to rise after strong performances in team interviews at the NFL Scouting Combine thanks to his skill set and leadership potential.
He could become a coveted asset, and teams in need of a quarterback are taking notice of the man who passed for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns and allowed seven interceptions in the 2024/25 NCAA season with the Miami Hurricanes.
The Tennessee Titans hold the first overall pick and could select Ward to lead their franchise. However, other quarterback-needy teams, including the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Raiders, are also in the mix.
Among them, the Raiders seem to have made a lasting impression after the 22-year-old spoke highly of their revamped coaching staff, expressing enthusiasm about the idea of playing under Pete Carroll’s leadership in Las Vegas.
“It would mean a lot, especially with the coaching staff they have,” Ward said, of ending up at the Allegiant Stadium. “Chip Kelly, the things that he can do with the quarterback moving him outside the pocket, the concepts he’s done, he does in the intermediate game.
“It’ll fit my play style. And Pete Carroll, he’s a legendary coach and so if I’m lucky to go there, I know it’ll work out.”
With a long-standing need for stability at quarterback, the Raiders could be preparing to make an aggressive move in the Draft but with only the sixth overall pick, they may need to trade up to secure him.
Can Cam Ward save the Raiders?
Quarterback inconsistency has plagued the Raiders for years. Since the 2021 season, the franchise has cycled through seven different starters, unable to find a long-term solution at the position.
Derek Carr’s departure in 2023 was meant to signal a fresh start, but the team’s subsequent attempts with Jimmy Garoppolo, Gardner Minshew, Jarrett Stidham, Brian Hoyer, Desmond Ridder, and Aidan O’Connell, have all failed to provide the stability needed for success.
Now, the franchise sees an opportunity to reset once again. If Las Vegas can secure one of the draft’s top two quarterbacks, it could mark the end of their ongoing search for a franchise leader under center.
With Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly now shaping the team’s offensive direction, Ward’s dual-threat abilities and playmaking potential could be the missing piece. Whether the Raiders can maneuver into position to draft him remains to be seen.
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