Pete Carroll has always embraced competition, and his approach to finding a quarterback in Las Vegas is no different. Back in Seattle, he didn’t hesitate to let Russell Wilson, a third-round pick, go head-to-head with a big-money free agent signing. Now, with the Raiders, he’s keeping all options on the table as he looks for the right leader under center.
Carroll’s philosophy paid off in Seattle, where Wilson beat out Matt Flynn and became the face of the franchise for a decade. With the Raiders, he’s once again opening the door to a battle. The current roster features Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell, but Carroll made it clear at the NFL Scouting Combine that the job is far from settled.
Quarterback battle brewing in Vegas
“The quarterback position is going to be highly contested,”Carroll said Tuesday.“We’re giving everyone on the roster a shot to own that position. They’re all working their tails off, and we’re going to create an environment where the best player emerges.”
The Raiders’ quarterback room could look very different soon. They hold the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, putting them in the mix for a top prospect. Names like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels are on the radar, and at least one of them could be available when it’s time to pick. At the same time, the free-agent market is filling up, with Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Sam Darnold all looking for new homes.
General manager John Spytek backed up Carroll’s stance, making it clear the team will explore all avenues. “Not to be kind of the cliche here, but we’re leaving no stone unturned,”Spytek said.“There are free agents, there’s the draft, and we like some of the guys we already have. We’re going to make sure we build the most competitive room possible.”
With Carroll in charge, nothing is guaranteed. He’s proven that a quarterback competition can bring out the best in players, and he’s not rushing into any decisions. Whether the Raiders’ next starter is already in the building or yet to arrive, one thing is certain-Las Vegas is set for an intense offseason.
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