Much of the focus for the Las Vegas Raiders has been on the off-field additions. The team hired Antonio Pierce as its head coach and is closing in on making a decision about the general manager position as well. But star wide receiver Davante Adams is thinking about the on-field personnel, particularly the quarterback position.
The Raiders ended the season with rookie Aidan O’Connel under center, and while he did have some solid moments, it is unclear whether or not he is the answer going forward. Adams and others within the organization have spoken highly, but Adams is also aware of potential upgrades in free agency as well and has his eyes on one player in particular.
In a recent appearance on the Two G’s in a Pod podcast, Adams named Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins as someone he would like to play with, via Matthew Schmidt of Yardbarker:
“I like a Kirk Cousins,” Adams said. “I think Kirk Cousins is a really good quarterback. As far as availability, I think Kirk is a good player.”
Cousins has proven he can win when given the pieces around him. He certainly has his faults as well and isn’t in the class of the most elite quarterbacks, but he is certainly an above-average starter and an excellent leader who is loved by his teammates. Adams is also very familiar with him, having seen him up close and personal many times during his time with the Green Bay Packers.
One concern would be the similarities between Cousins and the man the Raiders signed last offseason, Jimmy Garoppolo. Both are viewed as game managers who need the right talent around them. After the failure of Garoppolo this season, perhaps the Raiders would be cautious in going with another veteran. Not to mention one coming off injury again as Cousins saw his season end in October due to a torn achilles.
Settling their quarterback situation is the most important roster move for the Raiders this offseason, and obviously one that Davante Adams is very interested in. He already has a couple of ideas in mind, and the Raiders would be wise to listen.
Raiders’ Davante Adams a fan of LSU QB Jayden Daniels
If the Raiders aren’t keen on signing another veteran and would prefer to go the draft route, Davante Adams has a solution there as well.
The receiver singled out LSU quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels as someone he paid attention to and feels can come in and make an impact in the NFL immediately. The Raiders would likely have to trade up in the draft to select him, however.
