The quarterback situation with the Las Vegas Raiders has far and away been their most scrutinized storyline this offseason.
New general manager John Spytek made his move earlier this offseason, acquiring Geno Smith in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. Smith is an excellent veteran option for 2025, but he will turn 35 years old during the season. Needless to say, the Raiders still require a long-term solution under center.
It is never a bad idea for the Raiders to think about the future, but perhaps they do not need to solely pay attention to the draft to find their answer.
The Raiders could decide to look at someone who was drafted last year, showcasing immense potential.
CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan listed potential trade spots for New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III, and the Raiders were one of the options listed.
“It would be WILD to see the Patriots call up their old pal Tom Brady and coordinate a trade that gives the Raiders a quarterback, but this makes sense for Las Vegas even after the trade for Geno Smith,” wrote Sullivan. “He is currently only signed through the 2025 season, but there is a logical school of thought that the team will extend him in some capacity.”
“However, Smith is still 34 years old and will turn 35 in the middle of next season. Trading for Milton gives them an opportunity to land a young developmental quarterback to work behind Smith over the next few years before handing him the keys to the offense, if all goes according to plan.”
A sixth-round pick of the Patriots, Milton did not get called upon until New England’s Week 18 game against the Buffalo Bills.
Milton ended up making a statement with his opportunity, leading the Patriots to a 23-16 win to close out their season. In the game, Milton threw for 241 passing yards and a touchdown, as well as scoring another touchdown on the ground.
The only issue for Milton is that there is no clear path to consistent playing time with the Patriots. They drafted their quarterback of the future third overall last year in Drake Maye, and the team also signed journeyman backup Joshua Dobbs this offseason. A trade makes sense on both sides, giving Milton a chance to earn his spot in the NFL while the Patriots flip a late-round pick into one of much higher value.
With their long-term outlook at quarterback still cloudy, perhaps the team willing to offer that trade is the Raiders.
