The Las Vegas Raiders are in a unique position this offseason. With Geno Smith now the confirmed starter and Aidan O’Connell sidelined by a wrist injury, the team has a clear need at backup quarterback. Head coach Pete Carroll told reporters Sunday, “All possibilities are available right now. I mean, wherever they come from, and we’re looking everywhere to see [if] we find the best guy that fits us.” Experience, Carroll added, is a key factor.
While veteran options like Ryan Tannehill and Tyler Huntley are available, a compelling idea has emerged in NFL circles: the Raiders could target a young quarterback with elite physical traits who needs the right situation to develop—Anthony Richardson.
Oliver Connelly of the Read-Optional podcast recently suggested Richardson could find a home in Las Vegas, and Seahawks beat writer Corbin Smith echoed that sentiment. “I could absolutely see the Raiders trying to trade for Anthony Richardson to work with him behind Geno Smith,” Smith wrote. “Pete Carroll has been a fan for a long time. And Pete has a pretty good track record with his staff of turning the careers around for QBs.”
Why Richardson Could Fit in Las Vegas
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Richardson’s career so far has been marred by injuries and inconsistent play. Drafted fourth overall by the Indianapolis Colts in 2023, his combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism drew comparisons to Cam Newton. Yet after just two seasons, including losing the starting job to Daniel Jones, questions linger about his long-term potential.
For the Raiders, however, Richardson represents a low-risk, high-upside option. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who knows dual-threat quarterbacks well from his time at UCLA with Dorian Thompson-Robinson, could help tailor the offense to Richardson’s strengths. Meanwhile, Smith would provide a veteran presence to mentor him.
“In Las Vegas, Richardson would get a chance to learn under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who is creative enough to highlight Richardson’s strengths. He’d also get to work under head coach Pete Carroll, who has an encouraging history with dual-threat quarterbacks—it was under Carroll’s guidance that Russell Wilson put together a Hall of Fame resume with the Seattle Seahawks,” Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox wrote.
A Rare Opportunity in the AFC West
The Raiders, who made a major upgrade this offseason by acquiring Smith, now have a stable short-term solution while also planning for the future. Smith, 35, remains effective, ranking among the NFL’s top quarterbacks over the past three seasons, but the team will eventually need a successor.
Richardson, at just 23 years old, would have time to learn, develop, and potentially reach his ceiling under Carroll and Kelly. With the Raiders’ supporting cast—including Jakobi Meyers, Brock Bowers, and rookie Ashton Jeanty—he would have the tools to succeed if given the proper guidance.
While some fans may recall the JaMarcus Russell era and fear a repeat, Richardson’s athletic profile and offensive acumen set him apart from past busts. His rushing ability, including 635 yards and 10 touchdowns in limited NFL action, adds a dimension that could be difficult to replicate elsewhere.
The Risk vs. Reward
The key question is whether the Raiders can acquire Richardson at a reasonable price. Indianapolis has indicated they may not give up on him entirely, potentially inflating his trade value. Still, even a modest draft pick or conditional deal could be worthwhile if Richardson flourishes under Carroll’s tutelage, echoing what Smith achieved after being written off early in his career.
Trading for Richardson wouldn’t be without risk. His career passing numbers—11 touchdowns to 13 interceptions and a 50.6% completion rate in 15 starts—highlight the work still required. But with Smith mentoring him and Carroll overseeing his development, the Raiders could turn a young, high-upside player into their quarterback of the future.
In a division dominated by Patrick Mahomes, Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers, and a revitalized Broncos team under Sean Payton, Las Vegas must think creatively. Richardson presents a rare opportunity to pair raw talent with coaching expertise and veteran guidance.
The formula is clear: a trade for Richardson, mentorship from Smith, and development under Carroll and Kelly could finally give the Raiders a quarterback solution that balances short-term competitiveness with long-term planning. For now, the Raiders have a chance to shape the trajectory of one of the NFL’s most physically gifted young quarterbacks.