The Las Vegas Raiders are making waves in the NFL offseason, with reports suggesting that the team is closely eyeing a quarterback upgrade for the 2025 season.
After struggling with one of the weakest quarterback lineups in 2024, it’s clear the Raiders need significant improvements in this position.
While the team may turn to the draft for a young signal-caller, they are also reportedly considering veteran quarterbacks to bolster their ranks and provide additional security.
This includes high-profile names such as Aaron Rodgers and Sam Darnold, though trade rumors indicate the Raiders might seek out other options in the market.
Kirk Cousins, who had a less-than-stellar 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons, has been heavily linked to a move to Las Vegas.
Cousins’ future with the Falcons seems uncertain, given his underperformance and recent injury history, including a torn Achilles in 2023.
Despite these setbacks, experts like Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report predict that Cousins will be one of the quarterbacks the Raiders acquire in the coming offseason.
While Cousins’ 2025 season was a tough year, it may be an outlier, as he has typically maintained more consistency throughout his career.
However, Cousins’ age—he’ll be 37 when the 2025 season begins—along with his hefty contract, raises concerns for any team considering him as their starting quarterback.
Still, if the price is right, Cousins could be a good addition for the Raiders. His traditional pocket-passing style may not fully align with Coach Chip Kelly’s offensive scheme,
but the team could easily offset this by bringing in a mobile backup like Marcus Mariota to provide balance.
The Raiders are poised to be one of the most active teams in free agency this year. With over $100 million in projected salary cap space, the franchise is eager to make moves that can significantly improve its roster.
Head coach Pete Carroll, who is used to successful seasons from his time with the Seattle Seahawks, is unlikely to tolerate a lengthy rebuilding process.
The pressure is on to make impactful signings, especially with a defense that has several key starters becoming free agents and an offense that requires bolstering in multiple areas.
General manager John Spytek’s ability to navigate the offseason will be crucial.
If he can make the right moves in the draft, secure key free-agent signings, and land a reliable quarterback, the Raiders could position themselves as a strong playoff contender in 2025.
However, the road ahead is full of challenges, and the team’s success will depend on making smart decisions in a competitive and high-stakes NFL landscape.