The quarterback position remains the one to watch for the Las Vegas Raiders as who the team has under center will be the biggest factor in whether the team can make a playoff run in 2024. Aidan O’Connell is returning after a solid rookie season, and the Raiders added Gardner Minshew II in free agency.
Most also expect the Raiders to add a quarterback at some point in the 2024 NFL Draft, but there remains a possibility that the team could look to add another veteran through free agency. One player who is available is former Tennessee Titans starter Ryan Tannehill.
Jon Conahan of Heavy.com believes the Raiders are an ideal landing spot for Tannehill, noting that he has proven he can deliver and be a good quarterback in this league:
The Las Vegas Raiders landed Christian Wilkins, another former Miami Dolphins player this offseason. Signing Wilkins was an indication to the fan base that the Raiders plan to compete.
Factor in Maxx Crosby, Davante Adams, and others, and the Raiders have a chance to be an above-average team if things go right. Adding Tannehill to that mix would be a gamble, but he’s proven that when he’s healthy, he can be a serviceable quarterback in this league.
Tannehill has dealt with ankle injuries in each of the last two years which is a concern. But Conahan noted that on the right contract, Tannehill is worth it and could take the Raiders to the next level if he can play at his prior form:
The injuries are a concern, but on a cheap deal, Tannehill makes sense for them. If he stays healthy and plays like he did in the 2020 and 2021 seasons, the Raiders would be a team to watch out for.
In 2020 and 2021, Tannehill led the Titans to a 23-10 record, totaling 7,553 passing yards with 54 touchdowns to just 21 interceptions. The quarterback also added 14 rushing touchdowns during those two seasons.
The question is whether Tannehill is capable of reaching that level of play again and whether the Raiders’ offensive system is the right one to bring the best out of him. Even when he has played, Tannehill simply hasn’t looked like his previous self so the Raiders will need to do their due diligence if they are considering bringing him in.
Raiders’ Antonio Pierce believes Jayden Daniels running ability will translate
If the Raiders draft another quarterback and want to make a big splash, trading up for Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels of LSU could be the move. Head coach Antonio Pierce certainly seems to be a fan.
Pierce spoke on Daniels recently, noting that his ability to run really sets him apart from the other quarterback prospects and Pierce believes that ability will translate to the NFL.
Daniels rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns in his final season with the Tigers, in addition to his 3,812 passing yards and 40 touchdowns through the air.
