For the first time in nearly a decade, the Raiders will have a new Week 1 starting QB. Derek Carr has officially been released and the Raiders are searching for their next franchise passer.
The expectation for the last several weeks has been that the Raiders want to bring in a veteran quarterback, but the options seem to be dwindling. The most attractive option is Aaron Rodgers, but it’s not yet known if he wants to play in 2023 and the Raiders would still need to trade for him this offseason, even if he decides to return.
As we get further into the offseason, it seems more likely that the Silver and Black could draft their 2023 Week 1 starter. But is that still the most likely outcome?
According to espn.com, “they predicted every team’s starting quarterback for the 2023 season. For the Raiders, it wasn’t a veteran passer as most people expect. Instead, it was Will Levis from Kentucky.
Levis does feel like a great fit for the Raiders as he has the size and arm talent to take the offense to the next level. He still needs to show that he can improve his accuracy, but the physical traits and the physical toughness are certainly there.
Expect the Raiders to show a ton of interest in Levis over the next few months as he very well could be their Week 1 starter in 2023.
I have come up with my own predictions on who should be the next play caller for the Raiders. You may or may not agree with my choices, but after all, This is my post and my predictions. feel free to agree or disagree. I love a friendly debate, especially if it’s about my Las Vegas Raiders.
I have created a list of Quarterbacks I feel would make a positive difference in the franchise.
5 Mac Jones
Mac Jones and Josh McDaniels have a recent history together as Josh was the Patriot’s offensive play-caller in the 2021 season. Mac excelled under McDaniels’ system and made the pro bowl in his rookie year.
Without Josh McDaniels, Jones struggled to improve in year two and the Patriots’ passing game looked terrible at times. The Patriots will look around and kick the tires on other QBs to try to improve going forward. Mac Jones might not be the flashiest move the Raiders could make, but it wouldn’t be a bad one.
4 Will Levis
Young is the consensus best overall QB in the 2023 Draft class coming out of Alabama. It would cost a lot for the Raiders to end up with Bryce Young. If the Raiders were willing to trade multiple first-round picks, they could move up six spots to the number one overall pick and select him.
3 CJ Stroud
Stroud is either on the same level as Bryce Young or just a hair behind him. Stroud is the clear best Ohio State quarterback in recent memory, as many talented names come to mind when you think of Ohio State prospects.
2 Jarrett Stidham
With Carr being benched the final two games of the season, Jarrett Stidham filled in at QB and left a lot of fans puzzled. Jarrett was able to help the Raiders force overtime against the San Francisco 49ers in a game he played exceptionally well in.
1 Jimmy Garoppolo
With Garoppolo and Josh McDaniels having spent time together in New England, it’s a real possibility that the Raiders are interested in the veteran quarterback. Is Jimmy Garoppolo an improvement over Derek Carr? Absolutely, Carr was expected to put the Raiders on the hook for 40 million next season, and if the Raiders can bring someone in that’s better in talent for a fraction of the cost, why not?