The work is only just beginning. For the Las Vegas Raiders, they have plenty of it to do. There are multiple positions to address and that’s not including being able to take care of their super star pass rusher in Maxx Crosby.

The biggest question mark that will continue to be talked about is the quarterback position. Since letting go of Derek Carr, the Raiders have trotted out Jimmy Garropolo, Gardner Minshew, and Aidan O’Connell. They are stop gap options, but O’Connell being the most promising of that cast of characters.

Entering the new season, only O’Connell is under contract, so the Raiders will need to further address the position. All eyes are pointing to the draft, but there is a veteran that is on their radar.

Raiders Showing Interest in Matthew Stafford

No it is not Russell Wilson, despite the rumored connection to new head coach Pete Carroll. However, it is Matthew Stafford, who currently is the quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams. It appears that the Raiders are showing interest and taking advantage of the Rams’ financial constraints. They have made it abundantly clear that they will be looking to trade Cooper Kupp off the books and are looking to do the same for Stafford.

Stafford currently only has $4 million in guaranteed money the next two seasons, so given the Raiders salary cap situation, they could easily fit him under their umbrella. But why would the Raiders show interest in Stafford to begin with?

Well, Stafford is a proven commodity at the NFL level. He has thrown for over 59,000 yards and has also thrown 377 touchdowns. He was a fearless leader for the Detroit Lions before helping the Rams capture the Super Bowl. He is a veteran presence and a leader and the Raiders could benefit from having that in the locker room.

Also, Stafford still has good football left in the tank at 37 years old. He threw for 3,762 yards and 20 touchdowns. Was it always perfect? No. But Stafford would be coming to a desirable situation.

Now, I know what you’re thinking reading this. The Raiders are crazy. Why turn to a veteran when you can draft your franchise signal caller. Well, the best thing for that young lad would be to learn from a veteran instead of just being thrown into the fire.

Look at Bryce Young. Horrendous start to the season, but after sitting behind Andy Dalton and learning, he put forth quite the season for himself. Jordan Love learned behind Aaron Rodgers. Tom Brady was behind Drew Bledsoe. It’s not a foreign concept. But given the NFL isn’t a developmental league, it seems like one.

The Raiders have pieces in place to be successful. Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers are coming off 1,000 yard seasons. There is talent with Tre Tucker as well. The Raiders defense has been huge the last two seasons, so finding a solution at QB is enormous.

Stafford isn’t the sexiest option, but it is a good stop gap option that’s proven himself time and time again.