The Las Vegas Raiders, currently struggling with a 2-7 record and major coaching changes, are already looking ahead to the 2025 offseason to address their need for a quarterback. Although tied for the worst record in the NFL, the Raiders would pick sixth due to strength of schedule, according to Tankathon. That position likely limits their chances of drafting Colorado’s star quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who has been impressing scouts as a top QB prospect.
However, there could be a twist in the draft process. Shedeur’s father, Deion Sanders, has hinted at pulling a move similar to Eli Manning’s 2004 draft refusal if the “wrong” team tries to select his son. Manning famously refused to play for the Chargers, prompting a trade to the New York Giants. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.
speculates that if Shedeur Sanders does opt to push for a specific team, it could be the Raiders. Kiper mentioned on a recent “Unsportsmanlike” episode that Sanders shares a “Brady feel” with his precise pocket play, which could align him well with the Raiders, especially considering Tom Brady’s recent investment in the team and his relationship with the younger Sanders.
Shedeur Sanders is in a unique position to refuse certain teams if he chooses. He has significant financial security due to his family’s wealth and his college NIL earnings. For this reason, franchises like the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers, currently picking ahead of the Raiders, might not appeal to the Sanders family. Despite the Raiders’ current struggles, Las Vegas’s attractive location and Brady’s involvement could make them a desirable choice for Sanders.
As for whether Sanders is the ideal fit for the Raiders, much depends on Raiders management, particularly General Manager Tom Telesco. Owner Mark Davis has expressed admiration for Sanders, which could sway the decision. In Kiper’s October 28 column, he highlighted Sanders’ accuracy, toughness, and pocket presence, drawing comparisons to Brady. Kiper noted that Sanders’s 73.3% completion rate ranks fourth nationally, with an 82.3 QBR from inside the pocket, placing him 15th in the country. These qualities make Sanders a strong candidate for a Raiders team in need of a reliable, long-term quarterback.
The Raiders have had subpar quarterback performances this season from Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell, further emphasizing the need for a franchise QB. Missing out on the top quarterbacks in the 2024 draft, the Raiders may now see Sanders as the potential answer under center.
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