The Las Vegas Raiders fired head coach Antonio Pierce after another losing season in Sin City, paving the way for the addition of two-time Super Bowl coach Pete Carroll.
Carroll's presence has fueled speculation about the potential addition of a quarterback in April 2025's NFL draft at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
On Tuesday, ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. send a bold warning to the Raiders about the importance of addressing the quarterback position this offseason, whether through the draft or in the free agent market.
Kiper Jr. warned that the Raiders must act wisely this offseason or risk being left behind in a division full of talented quarterbacks.
Aidan O'Connell of the Raiders throws against the Chargers on January 5, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
"They didn't get the quarterback last year, Michael Penix Jr., right? Because they sat where they were," Kiper Jr. said on Sportscenter Special. "They had to settle for
Kiper Jr. questioned whether the Raiders should draft Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the sixth pick if he's available or if they should add a quarterback in free agency like Sam Darnold of the Vikings.
He warned Carroll and the Raiders that they must make a decision on the important position and stick with it before they end up left in the dust.
"We're in a division now with (Patrick) Mahomes, (Justin) Herbert and (Bo) Nix. We can't be fourth, and we're in the AFC with all the great quarterbacks.
"They've got to figure it out. Is it Darnold? Is it Shedeur?" Kiper Jr. said.
