With a new head coach in Pete Carroll and a new general manager in John Spytek, the focus of the Las Vegas Raiders now turns to the roster and building it up into one that can compete. Of course, the most important position remains quarterback, and the Raiders still have a hole in that spot.
Neither Gardner Minshew nor Aidan O’Connell showed they can be true franchise quarterbacks, and the Raiders must find their guy this summer. At the very least, they must find a solid option capable of winning some games. A couple of veteran players are available in free agency, one of whom has a connection with Carroll.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Raiders and Carroll could be eyeing Russell Wilson, who has always been intrigued by the idea of joining the franchise, in free agency:
”I reached out to a few former Carroll lieutenants in Seattle. Both expect Carroll to be a great fit in Las Vegas, but they also both pointed out, they would not be surprised if Carroll reached out to Russell Wilson, possibly trying to sign the free agent, make amends for what went wrong at the end of that Seattle era. One of them even pointed out that Carroll and Wilson began to rekindle their relationship about a year ago or so. Wilson has always been intrigued by wearing the Black & Silver so it could be a back pocket item for later.”
While Russell Wilson isn’t the long-term answer at the position, he would still represent an upgrade over the Raiders’ current options. Although the Raiders currently have the sixth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, there is no guarantee either of the top prospects will fall to the Raiders. Free agency could be the best option if they cannot trade up.
Wilson isn’t the player he was during his peak with Carroll and the Seahawks, but he proved this past season that he remains a solid and reliable starter as long as he has the right pieces around him. If the Raiders can add a couple more weapons alongside Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers, Wilson can get a lot out of them. And his familiarity with Carroll and the system would make for an easier transition.
Tom Brady running ‘everything’ for Raiders this offseason
The connection between Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll makes him a logical option at quarterback. Still, minority owner Tom Brady would have to be for the move as well, as he seems to be the man at the forefront of every decision the Raiders make this offseason.
A recent report stated that Brady is running ‘everything’ for the franchise right now, so if Carroll is keen on bringing in Wilson, Brady must also be on board.
