They wanted Matthew Stafford. They didn’t get him. Now, where will the Raiders go for a quarterback in 2025?

TheAthletic.com recently reported that the Raiders prioritized Stafford because minority owner Tom Brady and G.M. John Spytek aren’t “super high on Sam Darnold or the other potential free agents.” That claim came a day after multiple reports indicated the Raiders are pivoting to the likes of Darnold, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields.

That said, the coaching staff reportedly prefers a proven veteran to a rookie. There’s also no guarantee either of the top options — Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders — will be available when the Raiders pick at No. 6.

The options currently on the roster are Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew. Whether and to what extent they’re able to find an upgrade remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, to the extent that Brady will be a closer for the Raiders in free agency, he’s 0-2 when it comes to twisting arms. They targeted Ben Johnson and Stafford; they got neither.

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The Las Vegas Raiders are facing a full-blown quarterback crisis, and the situation is spiraling fast. After an underwhelming 2023 season, the team had hoped to solidify their future under center, but now they’re stuck in a whirlwind of uncertainty. With Jimmy Garoppolo’s inconsistent play, rookie Aidan O’Connell’s flashes of potential but lack of experience, and no clear superstar in sight, the Raiders are scrambling for answers. The pressure is mounting, and the front office must act fast before this dilemma derails their entire season.

What makes this situation even more alarming is the lack of a clear path forward. The Raiders could pursue a big-name free agent, trade for a proven veteran, or take their chances in the NFL Draft—but none of these options are risk-free. Signing a high-priced veteran could drain their cap space, while drafting a quarterback might mean another rebuilding year. The uncertainty is sending shockwaves through the fanbase, with many wondering if the franchise has a true plan or if they’re simply rolling the dice.

Adding to the drama, the AFC West remains one of the toughest divisions in the league, making the Raiders’ quarterback woes even more dangerous. Competing against Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert without a reliable signal-caller is a recipe for disaster. The team’s defense showed promise last season, but without a competent quarterback to lead the offense, all that progress could be wasted. Head coach Antonio Pierce is now faced with the daunting task of navigating this storm while keeping the locker room from losing faith.

With free agency and the NFL Draft approaching, the clock is ticking for the Raiders to make a franchise-defining decision. Will they pull off a blockbuster trade, roll the dice on a young talent, or stick with their current roster and hope for the best? One thing’s for sure—if they don’t get this decision right, the Raiders could be staring at another year of mediocrity, and possibly even a total rebuild. Fans are on edge, waiting to see if the team can escape this quarterback nightmare before it’s too late.