Raiders Floated as Trade Partner for Former First-Round Pick QB 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
“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
“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.
Broncos Adding Game-Changing Veteran Playmaker Before Facing Giants
The Denver Broncos are getting a boost for their Week 7 game against the New York Giants, with veteran linebacker Dre Greenlaw
The news comes after a series of encouraging signs, providing much-needed confirmation.
Greenlaw should help bolster one of the few consistent weaknesses on the Broncos’ No. 2-ranked scoring and overall defense: coverage.
Broncos Activating Dre Greenlaw From IR
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport first reported on X on October 18 that “the #Broncos are expected to activate standout LB Dre Greenlaw from IR, where he’s been since Week 3 because of a quad injury, sources say.
“A lift for the Denver defense.”
DNVR Sports’ Zac Stevens confirmed on X that “Greenlaw is officially being activated to the Broncos’ 53-man roster and OFF IR, per sources.
“Huge for Dre and the Broncos’ defense.”
The Broncos signed Greenlaw to a three-year, $31.5 million contract in free agency, and they held off on placing him on IR before setbacks forced their hand.
Broncos Coaches Get Real About Dre Greenlaw
GettyFormer San Francisco 49ers LB Dre Greenlaw #57 looks on against the Los Angeles Rams.
Even with Greenlaw set to return, the Broncos are being realistic in their expectations for him after such a long layoff. Broncos head coach
Greenlaw practiced in full
Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said Greenlaw will most likely play a reserve role, but noted that “we’ll feel him. Everybody will” when the veteran is on the field.
“Obviously, when you have a good player, it helps you become a better defense. So, schematically, a lot of things don’t change. He’s been a great player for a long time, and that won’t change. So, I’m just looking forward to getting back on the field, helping us win,”
“I think if he returns this week, it’s got to be in a part-time role, maybe. We’ll see, and we’re not sure that’s going to happen this weekend or next. But he’s in good spirits. He’s worked hard, he’s in the right mindset. So, we’ll see how Sunday plays out.”
Even if Greenlaw is limited, his teammates are well aware of the impact he can have on a game.
Dre Greenlaw Changes ‘Vibe’ on Defense
GettyDre Greenlaw #57 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a stop against the
Fellow Broncos LB Levelle Bailey noted Greenlaw was “flying around” and “looked good” in practice this week. His return also provided an emotional boost.
“He brought the energy back in the room,” Bailey said, per The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson on October 18. “You can just tell the vibe is just different on the defense when he’s out flying around & the..leadership he brings to the table”
Greenlaw has been a mentor for Bailey, an undrafted free agent in 2024.
Bailey has one appearance in 2025. Justin Strnad has joined Alex Singleton in the starting lineup in Greenlaw’s absence, with rookie UDAF
“He always talks to me about getting my pad level down..and things like that,” Bailey said, per Tomasson. “In the meeting room, he pulls me aside. We usually watch extra film after meetings and he shows me little pointers.”
Sunday is Greenlaw’s first opportunity to back up the hype around his joining the Broncos.
