Should the Raiders seek a veteran free agent QB rather than draft one?

Question

There are a couple of QBs that I wouldn't mind seeing playing in a Raider uniform - Jake Plummer, Drew Bledsoe, Kurt Warner, Kerry Collins...

Or do you think they should take their chances with Quinn or Russell?

Answer 1

Just my take, but I think the Raiders would be better off trading the first pick and moving down in the draft, especially if it will allow them to pick up some additional draft picks. The Raiders could use help in a lot of areas, moving down in the draft would allow them to address more of these problems. For example, they really need to rebuild their O-line. They can address their QB issue through free agency. There are several good veterans that will be available this year. Beyond those you named, there will also be Jeff Garcia and Damon Huard.

Answer 2

For all you naysayers out there, Rich Gannon was supposed to be all washed up when he came to the Raiders. He was not protected in Gruden's scheme, if he were, Chris Simms or Brian Griese would have been Pro Bowlers over the years he has been at Tampa Bay. They definitely need to go after a Veteran QB because when they DO draft Russell they will need someone to mentor him.

Now let's be logical about this, Kurt Warner has mentored Marc Bulger, Eli Manning, and Matt Leinart. He has a Super Bowl ring and was an MVP. I would say he might be a good candidate. Drew Bledsoe has mentored Tom Brady and Tony Romo. He has a Super Bowl ring. He also might be a good candidate. Jake Plummer hasn't mentored anyone but loves to throw the long ball. While he is definitely not a great QB, he can win more than two games for you and that would be a step in the right direction. Kerry Collins is washed up and has lost all his confidence. I think he might have a bad effect in the locker room also.

My suggestion would be to go after someone like Jeff Garcia. While he doesn't fit into the normal Raider philosophy of toss it long, he would fit well into the USC type offense which I am sure the new coach will be wanting to bring with him. The other guy who might be on the trading block would be Byron Leftwich. If the offensive line can protect him, he could be productive when healthy. I think a high draft pick would be required to get him though.

Answer 3

They need to do both. They need a to take Russell with the first pick. Then sign a veteran to compete with Andrew Walters for this year. Warner is the worst choice the raiders could make at this point cause they still trying to rebuild that oline, and warner needs time to throw to be effective. Bledose is just a statue and wouldnt survive 5 minutes behind the raider oline. I think they need a mobile qb at this point so plummer or garcia would fit that role better. I think though al davis is so stubborn he is gonna go with andrew walters as the starter at the beginning of the season and then switch to Russell, and throw him to the wolves probably by game 3.

Answer 4

Plummer is likely heading to the Texans with Kubiak as coach there...Collins was a Raider previously and I have the urge to doubt a return there...the other two would need a good O-line to have any impact as they can't run.

Raiders need to start rebuilding from the QB position and get an O-line that can protect him. I know the rumor is they will draft a QB first...and I hope they do as I feel that would be a better fit. Then it might be a good move to bring in a Warner as a player coach type to mold him. Personally, I think Warner would be particularly good as a potential offensive coach of the future as well, so might be a great idea to get their hands on him just with that intention.

Answer 5

If they dont rebuild now, theyll end up doing it in a couple of years anyway, with who knows what will be available...Plummer an eggshell under pressure, Drew and Kurt...best years well behind them, I know youre not serious bringing up Collins...it was smoke and mirrors watching the Raiders win with Gannon knowing that the system Gruden implemented plus (and now this is important) having Charlie Garner (a smart back with great hands out of the backfield that could always get you 5 or 7 or even break one ocasionally) made him look great...Brooks and Walters arent the answer for this team, pick one of the top two, more than likely the kid from LSU, give him half the season to learn from the bench, then perhaps start him late in the season...you dont want to feed him to the wolves, besides its not Al's style to start a rookie QB right away...got to face reality put up with a couple of rebuilding years, see if they can add another piece or two, then evaluate where the team is then...perhaps a smart qb like garcia would be good to mentor(and still win games) if not too expensive...

Answer 6

none of those people can be an effective QB with the raiders if they dont upgrade their o-line. yes jake can sramble but so could brooks and he had an awful season and got cut. and with bledsoe, warner, and collins, none of those guys are going to want to come in to be a mentor for a young QB if the raiders draft one. the best option for the raiders is to draft a quinn or russell (more likely) and get a veteran QB who would not mind being a backup for a mentor.

P.S. i think the raiders needs to draft joe thomas but we all know how it turned out the last time the raiders drafted a o-lineman hight (see robert gallery)

Answer 7

Forget Kerry Collins (Raiders tried him once already). I think Warner will stay in Arizona and Plummer will stay in Denver. Bledsoe a definite maybe.....also Joey Herrington from Miami. Even if they get a free agent vet QB, they'll still draft that Russell from LSU.

Answer 8

First of all, the raiders had Kerry Collins. All those guys you said are wash up. What i mean by that is that they are already rich and have little to prove holding on to the ball that extra split second and risk a big hit for a big completion.

I say russell merely because in two years, he alone will give the raiders a chance every week.

Sorry, but off all of those qbs, only one superbowl ring and 4 superbowl appearances. go young

Answer 9

No the Raiders need to rebuild, but they should get an older QB as a mentor to a younger guy, Quinn and Russell will both be very good QBs, but they would most likely become better with help from a seasoned veteran.

Answer 10

It's not even funny how many problems the Raiders have this year. In my opinion what they should do is go after a guy like Matt Schuab. You don't want an old tymer in there unless it's to play as a backup. If they do pick one up it'll be to backup Walters. I'm not sure Davis has givin up on Walters just yet. There biggest concerns this off season has to be OL and WR. With the 1st pick they should definitely snag Calvin Johnson. After Porter and Moss leave who is a rookie going to have to depend on? Doug Gabriel? They also will probably draft at least 3 OL in the later rounds as well. The Raiders would be a much better team if the O-Line wasn't so awful. Look for them to go after a few in free agency as well.