Never has it been more obvious that teams are often at fault for failing young quarterbacks. Just this season, we’ve seen Daniel Jones, Mac Jones, Drake Maye and Spencer Rattler thrive under new coaching staffs.
That’s not to mention that Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold are two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL right now after the teams that drafted them gave up on them. This will likely lead to a lot of teams taking chances on highly drafted quarterbacks who failed with their original teams.
Former Indianapolis Colts first-round pick Anthony Richardson should be very interesting. He’s 6-foot-4, runs a 4.43 40-yard dash and has a cannon for an arm, but the Colts gave up on him after just 15 starts. He needs a fresh start, and Pro Football Focus listed the Las Vegas Raiders as a potential landing spot for Richardson if he gets traded.
“When the Colts signed Daniel Jones this offseason, they figured it would bring the best out of Richardson,” Bradley Locker wrote. “Instead, Richardson’s stock sank while Jones’ skyrocketed. The former fourth overall pick has played just 14 snaps this season as Jones’ backup, with the former Giants starter starring with an 81.0 overall PFF grade.
“It’s possible that the Colts could want to keep Richardson on their roster, either as insurance for this season or in case they can’t retain Jones this offseason. Still, teams with quarterback questions come March and April could try to get ahead of the curve, stashing Richardson and his potential several months earlier. The Steelers will confront another offseason of uncertainty under center with Aaron Rodgers set to be a free agent, while Matthew Stafford’s career feels very year-to-year at this juncture despite his elite play.”
Why Raiders Could Make Sense for Richardson
The Raiders traded for Geno Smith this offseason and handed him a contract extension, which is why they decided against drafting a quarterback in the early rounds. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been playing well this season and leads the NFL in interceptions.
At 35, it’s hard to see him as the quarterback of the future for the Raiders. Richardson needs to go to a team with a veteran quarterback whom he can learn behind. He also needs a coaching staff that has a track record of developing quarterbacks. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has done great work with quarterbacks in the pass, especially with athletic ones who can run like Richardson.
Head coach Pete Carroll also does well with quarterbacks despite his defensive background. The Raiders would be a strong landing spot for Richardson and would give them a possible quarterback of the future.
Could Smith Be One and Done?
The Raiders did give Smith a two-year contract extension in the offseason that went on top of the year he had left on his previous deal. However, it won’t be difficult for the team to move on if he doesn’t pick up his play.
There would only be an $18.5 million dead cap hit if they were to cut him outright in the offseason. That’s not a tiny number, but it could be a lot worse.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Raiders Floated as Trade Partner for Former First-Round Pick QB With Rocket Arm appeared first on Heavy Sports.