Las Vegas Raiders sit at a crossroads with their quarterback situation: two current options in Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell, but neither being considered good enough. They are considering acquiring Aaron Rodgers, but the experts have already made it known that accepting a move to Raiders might not serve him well, thus negatively impacting his legacy. Success may not be quick to come in this competitive AFC West division; thus, the Raiders must be careful in their decision-making.
Critics argue that the Raiders’ acquisition of Aaron Rodgers will only help in short-term goals
According to reports, Jets and quarterback Aaron Rodgers are discussing the possibility of a split in 2025. Although there is a speculation of him landing with the Raiders, NFL analysts do not see the move as making much sense for them because he would be an upgrade and the best short-term option.
Critics argue that the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers will only help short-term goals, while the overall vision for his legacy will be thwarted by the move, although it will surely strengthen the present roster. According to Mike Florio, an NFL analyst, the Raiders need a quarterback upgrade, but Aaron Rodgers has limited work ahead.
“While he’d be an upgrade over who they currently have — and possibly the best short-term option they’ll find — the move makes little sense for Rodgers,” Florio wrote as per NBC Sports.
Florio predicted an 8-9 record for the Raiders with Rodgers as center but warned of fierce competition for a playoff spot. He suggested better options for the four-time NFL MVP include the Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New Orleans Saints. The Saints would help him avoid playoff matches with Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, or Joe Burrow.
Rodgers played 17 games in 2024 despite playing only four snaps last season. He led the Jets to five victories and threw for 3,897 yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Even without Davante Adams, Rodgers won only one more game than the rebuilding New England Patriots.
The Raiders have to assess their roster and strategy in the offseason regarding such a possible Aaron Rodgers trade or cut towards being a competitive team to win in the playoffs. The Raiders must prioritize their future quarterback strategy, balancing immediate improvements to long-term viability to avoid repeating past mistakes and achieving real contention.
Also Read: Jets’ fate up in the air: Aaron Rodgers’ future in limbo after major leadership shifts
Rodgers can play for a potential postseason team, as the Titans seem to have an easier road, while Steelers have a tougher road than Tennessee but an easier one than Las Vegas, or even the Saints, which would give him a better chance to win a January game or two since he does not have to face Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, or Joe Burrow. Rodger may retire one day, but no all-time great would want the last two years of his story to be spent in New York.