Raiders Eye Former First-Round QB Richardson with Rocket Arm
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.
Steelers ignite trade frenzy, target Raiders’ Jakobi Meyers ahead of NFL deadline!
Steelers Pursue Jakobi Meyers as NFL Trade Deadline Approaches
As the NFL trade deadline looms on November 4, the Pittsburgh Steelers have turned their attention to bolstering their receiving corps. The team has been frequently linked to Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, as well as New Orleans Saints standout Chris Olave, amid a flurry of trade speculation.
Meyers: A Trade Waiting to Happen
Jakobi Meyers has been at the center of trade discussions since the offseason, partly due to his reported desire for a move after failing to secure a contract extension with the Raiders. Given the current state of affairs in Las Vegas, with the team holding a disappointing 2-4 record, it seems plausible that Meyers could be traded to avoid losing him for nothing when his contract expires in 2026.
The Raiders, facing dwindling playoff hopes, might be inclined to offload Meyers, especially if they adopt a seller’s mentality as the deadline approaches. With a talented roster but limited success this season, the franchise’s focus may shift toward rebuilding rather than holding onto players who are on the verge of free agency.
Saints in a Rebuilding Mode
On the other hand, the Saints find themselves in a more precarious position, sitting at 1-5. In this context, Chris Olave emerges as one of their most valuable trade assets. The Saints are in dire need of a rebuild, and moving Olave could net them a significant return, potentially a Day 2 draft pick. However, recent reports suggest that New Orleans is actively trying to extend Olave’s contract, complicating the likelihood of a trade.
Despite his name circulating in trade rumors, the Saints appear committed to keeping Olave as a cornerstone for their future. He is under contract through 2026 and, at just 25 years old, fits well into their long-term plans, especially as they develop two young quarterbacks.
Steelers Eyeing Potential Acquisitions
While both Meyers and Olave present appealing options for the Steelers, Meyers seems to be the more attainable target. Reports indicate that the Raiders are “open” to trading their leading receiver, while simultaneously exploring trades for defensive players.
Should Pittsburgh pursue Meyers, it would mark a significant upgrade for their offense. Over his career, Meyers has maintained steady production, with four seasons exceeding 800 yards and a career-best 1,000-yard season in 2024. Despite facing subpar quarterback play throughout much of his career, a connection with a seasoned quarterback like Aaron Rodgers could unlock Meyers’ full potential.
A Strategic Move for the Steelers
For Steelers general manager Omar Khan, acquiring Meyers before the deadline would be a notable achievement, potentially enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities alongside existing talent such as DK Metcalf. While Olave remains the more attractive target due to his age and upside, Meyers is no slouch and could significantly bolster Pittsburgh’s receiving game.
As the clock ticks down to the trade deadline, all eyes will be on the Steelers’ next move, and whether they can solidify their roster for a playoff push.
