Oakland Raiders likely to keep three quarterbacks

The Oakland Raiders are expected to keep three quarterbacks on the roster in 2016 according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

When the Oakland Raiders traded up to draft Connor Cook in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the biggest question was how head coach Jack Del Rio would handle the depth chart. Veteran Matt McGloin’s presence as the backup behind Derek Carr being put into question as many wondered if the Raiders would keep three quarterbacks or instantly thrust Cook into the backup role.

Those questions appear to already be answered as with Cook having a hit and miss training camp while McGloin continues to be steady at practice it is looking like the Raiders will be keeping three quarterbacks on the roster in 2016. Sacrificing a roster spot to keep McGloin in case of emergency while keeping the rookie Cook away from the practice squad.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday that it is expected that the Raiders keep three quarterbacks at the end of August as they will likely be forced into giving up one of their spots for a depth player who could take snaps for a quarterback who won’t see the field in 2016 in Cook.

Cook is a player that the Raiders are hoping to develop into a trade asset down the road so their hand is forced to keep him on the roster, but it is a hard pill to swallow to sacrifice a role player on defense or special teams for a clipboard holder. It is a decision that the Raiders have to make, but it will make the competition for roster spots fierce as there will be one less roster spot up for grabs with three quarterbacks expected to be on the roster this season in Oakland.