The Las Vegas Raiders have addressed their immediate quarterback situation by acquiring Geno Smith in a trade. While Smith represents an upgrade from their previous options, he’s 34 years old and entering the final year of his contract.
If the Raiders are thinking long-term, they may look to find Smith’s eventual successor in the 2025 NFL Draft. Miami’s Cam Ward is projected to go first overall, making it unlikely that Las Vegas would be willing to move up that high. However, there are other potential targets.
One name that continues to be linked to the Raiders is Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Smith could serve as an ideal mentor for Sanders, giving the rookie time to develop. In a recent post-free agency mock draft, Fox Sports’ David Helman projected the Raiders trading up from the No. 6 pick to No. 4 in a deal with the New England Patriots. That move would allow Las Vegas to select Sanders.
“Acquiring Geno Smith eases the pressure at quarterback,” Helman wrote in his March 13 mock draft. “But if Sanders slips past the top three, the Raiders could be tempted to make a small move up. The price to jump two spots isn’t steep, and with Smith turning 35 this year, it makes sense. If Tom Brady, Pete Carroll, and John Spytek are sold on Sanders, don’t be surprised if they pull the trigger on a trade to land their future quarterback.”
Geno Smith Hanging Out With Shedeur Sanders
Right now, it’s looking less and less likely the Raiders would have to trade up to land Shedeur Sanders if they’re interested. His draft stock has been up and down in the lead-up to the draft, and there’s a real possibility he’ll still be on the board when Las Vegas makes their pick at No. 6.
As for Geno Smith, he probably wouldn’t have an issue with the team bringing in another quarterback. In fact, he recently shared an Instagram post of himself hanging out with Sanders. The two seem to have a connection already, which could translate into a strong working relationship if they both end up in Las Vegas.
Elandon Roberts Talks Joining Raiders
While much of the attention has been on what the Raiders are doing at quarterback, the team has made several other key moves this offseason. One of them was signing veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts, who’s expected to help fill the void left by Robert Spillane.
The last time Las Vegas brought in a former Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker in free agency, it worked out pretty well. Roberts is hoping to follow that trend. He’s already excited about his new opportunity—and about playing for head coach Pete Carroll.
“I mean, it’s the Raiders,” Roberts said during his March 13 press conference. “What wouldn’t attract anyone to the Raiders? Just the foundation that was set with this organization way back, even before my time.”
As for Carroll, Roberts was impressed right away. “One thing about Pete, I think he has a big personality—not just as a football coach, but as a person,” Roberts said. “It was exciting meeting him. Feeling his energy, feeling his personality—you know it’s genuine.”
Roberts knows he has some big shoes to fill, but he sounds ready for the challenge.
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