When Tom Brady and the Raiders brought in Geno Smith, it wasn’t exactly a red-carpet moment. No flashy welcome post. No “QB1” graphic. Just a subtle roster update that had “temporary fix” written all over it. And honestly, the vibes matched. Geno had just wrapped up a shaky season in Seattle—started hot, cooled off fast—and Vegas? Well, they’ve been in QB limbo ever since Derek Carr packed his bags.
Aidan O’Connell gave flashes, sure, but nothing that screamed “franchise guy.” So when Geno showed up, it felt more like the Raiders were buying time than buying in. Call it like renting a suit for an event you’re not even sure you’ll attend—clean fit, but not meant to last. Sure, they’ve agreed to terms with Geno on a two-year, $75 million deal. But let’s not kid ourselves—there’s always room for a young QB when your QB1 is 34 years old.
To make it spicier, the Colorado Buffaloes’ QB and one of the top draft prospects, Shedeur Sanders, is visiting the Raiders today. And that’s where things got pretty interesting. See, the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero believes that despite the Raiders signing Geno on a two-year extension, Tom Brady and Co. might be looking for a long-term option.
“Shadure Sanders is headed to Las Vegas tonight for a visit with the Raiders,” Pelissero said. “Now, this is intriguing because, of course, Las Vegas earlier this offseason made the trade setting a third-round pick in Seattle for Geno Smith, who they also signed to an enhanced contract, but there certainly is always a longer term need at the quarterback position.” Like we didn’t see that one coming.
Shedeur Sanders is visiting the Raiders today.
The Saints might have to trade up to 4 if they want him…
— Savage (@SavageSports_) April 14, 2025
Because at this point, Shedeur and the Raiders are no longer shrouded in secrecy. Back in December, he cruised past Allegiant Stadium and dropped a one-word Instagram caption: “Legendary.” It wasn’t just a drive-by flex—it felt like a wink at the Raiders. Fast forward a few weeks, and the QB was outside at a Las Vegas Aces game, casually chopping it up with Raiders’ owner Mark Davis.
Stick with us if you’re thinking that it’s all a coincidence. Because trust me, it’s not. Later, Sanders posted a video unboxing silver-and-black cleats and gave the Raiders a shout-out. Now that he’s visiting the Raiders today, it’s a less subtle hint and more open invitation. But let’s talk the real deal now. The Raiders have the sixth pick in this year’s draft. And that’s where it could get messy for ’em.
Because the thing is, Sanders also visited the Browns and the Giants earlier. Well, Cleveland has been stuck in QB limbo over Deshaun Watson’s injury. However, the rumors are linking them to draft Penn State’s Abdul Carter. On the other side of the spectrum, the Giants were the top contender in drafting Sanders until they signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. So the Big Blue might not be interested in him right about now.
That said, we’re back to square one. If Tom Brady and Vegas are really hoping for a long-term option, they just need to hope that Shedeur slides out of those two teams. Unless they’re interested in someone else.
Tom Brady is in pursuit of Geno Smith’s backup
We’re just a couple of weeks out from the NFL Draft in Green Bay, and the rumor mill? Yeah, it’s running hotter than a mid-July tailgate grill. Some teams are eyeing beefed-up O-lines, others are stacking their defenses—but the real buzz? It’s all about the QB chase. And yep, the Raiders are right in the thick of it, keeping their eyes locked on a potential franchise guy—a long-term option, to be precise.
With their No. 6 overall pick, Tom Brady and the Raiders could draft Sanders, no doubt. The catch? Well, the Raiders are eyeing a backup for Geno at this point, and it’s unlikely that Shedeur would want to be a backup. That means, despite the QB visiting the Raiders today, his possibility of joining the Las Vegas team is fading. And that’s where it got pretty interesting for Vegas.
If reports are true, Vegas is looking for a backup who can develop behind Geno as a long-term option. And for that very reason, the team’s interested in drafting Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers. To make it more obvious, Ewers recently visited the Raiders and had a pretty pleasant chat with the head coach, Pete Carroll. “It’s been a surreal moment for me, and I’m just trying to enjoy it,” Quinn Ewers said on The Rich Eisen Show.
“Coach Carroll was amazing – you know, he’s always talking about competing, competing, competing… It would be great to be part of a program, a franchise that lives and dies by how it competes – it doesn’t matter what you’re doing, if you’re in the building, either you’re competing or you’re not, there’s no middle ground.” Well, considering his injury issues in the last season and inconsistent deep throws, Ewers’ draft stock slipped.
With that being said, the Longhorns’ QB is projected to be selected on day 3 of the draft. Sanders or Ewers? That’s the main question for the Raiders’ front office right now. But one thing’s for sure: the team’s looking to find a long-term option despite signing Geno Smith.
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