This summer, the Las Vegas Raiders are anticipated to be interested in quarterbacks; however, there may not be many seasoned free agent choices. The team may need to search the trade market for a possible difference-maker if they are unable to uncover one during the draft.
This offseason, Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has been linked to the Raiders on multiple occasions; ESPN’s Bill Barnwell can verify this.
In a post published on February 1, Barnwell stated, “The Raiders could stick with Aidan O’Connell, a fifth-round pick last year, as their quarterback in 2024 with Antonio Pierce taking the head-coaching job.” However, since Pierce and the new general manager Tom Telesco took over O’Connell from the previous administration, they might try to add someone more noteworthy to the role. Given Fields’ ability to break out from structure and win passing downfield, I have no doubt that former team owner Al Davis would have adored him. Does Mark Davis share this sentiment?
Barnwell then suggested that the Raiders trade Fields for Aidan O’Connell outright.
“The Raiders have their first five draft picks in April and a full complement of 2025 picks, but they desperately need to develop a core of young talent after missing out on so many picks during the Jon Gruden era.” The best return for Fields would likely be the Bears’ choice number 44. Would Poles approach the Raiders about Davante Adams to offer his new quarterback a one-two punch with Adams and Moore if he truly wanted another receiver?
Though it’s understandable why the Bears could find it tempting to start rookie quarterback DJ Moore and Adams in the upcoming campaign, Fields wouldn’t have much room to maneuver under this situation due to the Raiders.
Why a Davante Adams for Justin Fields Swap Wouldn’t Work?
Any team would trade for Justin Fields this summer primarily because of his potential. The theory is that the Bears haven’t given him all the resources he needs to be successful. It doesn’t make sense for the Raiders to part with Davante Adams and pair Fields with former offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.
It’s difficult to see a situation in which Fields is more successful on the Raiders with Getsy and without Adams. Furthermore, losing one of its top players would be a consequence for Las Vegas. The team is more likely to prefer to give up a draft pick in order to get Fields. Adams’ quarterback may be a fascinating combination.
Rookie QB or Justin Fields?
The Raiders will probably look hard to locate a quarterback replacement if they determine that Aidan O’Connell shouldn’t start the next season. Despite Justin Fields’ reputation and some intriguing qualities, it appears more plausible that the Raiders would target a rookie.
It’s hard to see how it would work in Las Vegas, and Luke Getsy and Fields didn’t work in Chicago. Under Getsy, the quarterback never threw for more than 2,600 yards in a season. The Raiders would be better served by either sticking with O’Connell or taking a punt on a young quarterback and allowing Getsy to develop him. Although Fields is a compelling choice, his contract status makes him less desirable, and he doesn’t make sense with Getsy. Selecting a rookie allows the Raiders to avoid having to commit significant financial resources to the position for at least four years.