The 2024 NFL Draft is an extremely anticipated one full of exciting players, including some top-tier quarterback prospects. As it currently stands, the Las Vegas Raiders are in line for one of the top picks and could land one of those quarterbacks, but without a doubt, the top prize is USC star Caleb Williams.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has continued to show why he is the top prospect this year, throwing for over 1,600 yards and 21 touchdowns with just one interception in five games so far. He is also already appearing in some commercials and advertisements, as the NIL deals in college sports, allowing a player of his stature to make great money.
And that ability reportedly has Williams considering remaining in college if the draft order plays out in a certain way. According to NFC North News on X, Williams is only interested in playing for the Raiders, Cowboys, Vikings, Giants or 49ers:
BREAKING: Caleb Williams says he can make more money returning to USC next season then as a rookie in the NFL and says he can pick what team he wants to go to because of that.😳
Caleb’s only 5 team he would play for are the #Cowboys, #Raiders, #Vikings, #Giants, and #49ers. 👀 pic.twitter.com/9TfNYBmrdl
— NFC North News (@NFCNorthNewss) October 2, 2023
The validity of this rumor is certainly questionable at best. NIL deals have changed things for college athletes, but Williams parlaying that into trying to choose where he lands seems a bit far-fetched. The Raiders, Giants and Vikings are all teams who could potentially find themselves with the top pick, but the Cowboys and 49ers are two of the best teams in the NFL who are highly unlikely to be able to land Williams.
Additionally, while it is true that Williams can make good money with NIL, especially with his level of exposure at a high-profile university, he could still make a ton of endorsement money in the NFL regardless of where he lands. His pro contract would not take away from the endorsement money he will earn.
Nonetheless, for the Raiders to land on this supposed ‘list’ would seem to indicate that the franchise remains something of a destination, and Williams could be the long-term answer at quarterback the team needs. Jimmy Garoppolo remains a short-term play, and Aidan O’Connell has shown flashes but remains unproven.
Caleb Williams in silver and black would be an amazing sight to behold.
