Raiders Opinion: As Rumors Swirl, Little Changes

   When the Denver Broncos passed on drafting a quarterback in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, it added some validity to the rumors of trading for Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers, disgruntled with Green Bay Packers management for quite some time, looks to head out. Meanwhile, the same rumors swirled around the Raiders.

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   On the other hand, the Las Vegas Raiders don’t seem desperate for a quarterback. Although improvements could certainly happen. But, if the team wants to have any success in the AFC West in 2021, they need to closely observe what happens with Rodgers. Unfortunately, there are not many options for the Silver and Black, as their choices reach both ends of the spectrum: trade their future (multiple first-round picks, Derek Carr, and potentially more) or sit back and pray that Rodgers lands elsewhere.

Problems

   Adding Aaron Rodgers to an AFC West would currently make Carr the worst quarterback in the division, behind Rodgers, former MVP Patrick Mahomes, and Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert. Carr falling back as the Raiders try to move forward would not bode well for Las Vegas, especially if their defense continues to falter. Speaking of defense, the most defensive move the Raiders could make this offseason is also the most aggressive. Trading for Rodgers would not only noticeably improve the Raiders’ offense, but it would also all but ensure the Broncos starter being either Drew Lock or Teddy Bridgewater.

Uncertain Destination

 Clearly, a lot of tension sits on Rodgers’ landing spot, and as the rumors and odds swirl in favor of Denver, the Raiders’ silence grows louder and louder.  However, like smoke does not always indicate fire, silence does not indicate a lack of activity. The Raiders could be moving in the shadows while pursuing Rodgers, but regardless of the Raiders’ interest, it raises questions and concerns. Since there has not been much concrete talk about Rodgers being traded, there has not been a price tag set on what it would cost to acquire him. Obviously, it will take multiple first-round picks to acquire the reigning MVP, but how much is too much for teams around the league.

The Approach

   Trading for Rodgers would also send the Raiders careening into the highest level of “win now” mode, considering their lack of future first-round picks (following the hypothetical trade) would make it quite difficult for the team to significantly improve. Although Las Vegas did pull in a nice haul of defensive players during the draft this year, it does not even put them in “guaranteed playoff appearance” mode. There is still work to be done, and the best way to do that is through the Draft. For the long term, not trading for Rodgers seems to suit the Raiders better, as acquiring him would shrink the Raiders’ window of opportunity essentially to just the 2021 season. It is an incredibly difficult call, but if Rodgers is not going to Denver, it might be best to shy away from “franchise-altering” trade talks.