Oakland Raiders 2015 Free Agency Watch List: Offense
Oct 2, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 42-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterbacks
The Raiders have identified their franchise starting quarterback in Derek Carr, a second-year player who had a very productive – if not analytically stellar – rookie season last year. While the quarterback room looks full with Matt McGloin and Matt Schaub both still on the roster, it’s likely that one or both of these players may be cut or waived before the free agency period – most likely Schaub and his $6M cap number.
While the Raiders have looked at some rookie quarterbacks, including Auburn’s Nick Marshall, who will likely be drafted into the NFL as a defensive back, there’s a chance the Raiders may want to look into bringing in another veteran like Schaub who can mentor the young Carr from the #3 spot on the quarterback depth chart, with Matt McGloin at the #2 spot. McGloin, who started seven games in 2013 after the Terrelle Pryor experiment fizzled, seems to be the ideal #2 guy, but with his youth, may be trade-bait for a team looking to add a young quarterback of their own.
Here are some quarterbacks who will be in free agency in 2015 that may attract interest from the Raiders:
Christian Ponder: Ponder, a 2011 first round pick, was Raider OC Bill Musgrave’s quarterback for three years with the Vikings. Supplanted as the future of the Vikings by Teddy Bridgewater last season, Ponder – who turns 27 tomorrow – is likely headed to a Matt Leinart-esque future as a career backup. The familiarity with Musgrave may be a draw for the four year vet, especially if offers to be a potential starter aren’t forthcoming.
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Kyle Orton: The 32 year old journeyman, who started most of last year for Buffalo with current Raider QB’s coach Todd Downing as his QB’s coach, announced his retirement at the end of the season, and he might be serious. But players often change their minds a few months after retiring, and Orton may be drawn to going somewhere to help groom a couple of younger passers as a 3rd-string guy. Orton has started a lot of games for a lot of years, and may be the veteran presence the Raiders are looking for to replace Schaub.
Shaun Hill: Hill, like Orton, is a journeyman but has spent a lot less time as a starter than Orton. Hill was Matt Stafford’s backup in Detroit when Todd Downing was the QB’s coach there from 2011-2013, and was recently on the Rams roster. Hill has played a long time in this league, and could be another useful veteran #3.
Matt Moore: Moore is another journeyman vet who has spent the past four years in Miami, three of them as the backup to Ryan Tannehill. Now approaching the free agency market, the California native makes sense for the Raiders. He is a proven backup quarterback who has spent the last few years working alongside another top rookie passer, but at 30 still is young enough to have something left in the tank if he’s called upon.
Next: 2015 FA Watch List: Running back