The Las Vegas Raiders will likely be in the quarterback market this offseason, as the franchise got subpar play from Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew in 2024 and has had a carousel at the position since Derek Carr’s departure during the 2023 offseason.
Though general manager John Spytek could look to select a signal-caller in the 2025 NFL Draft, Raider Ramble’s Jake Brockhoff lists Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields as a potential free-agent target for Las Vegas.
“Fields started the first six games for the Pittsburgh this year, before Russell Wilson returned to the lineup,” Brockhoff wrote. “He did well, winning four of those games. Most importantly, he looked much more confident and competent as a passer than he did during his time with the Chicago Bears. He likely won’t command a huge contract and should get a chance as a starter next year.”
As Brockhoff wrote, Fields started the first six games of the season for Pittsburgh while Russell Wilson dealt with a calf injury, and the former Ohio State Buckeye played the most efficient football of his career. Fields posted a 4-2 record with 10 total touchdowns and two turnovers with a 65.8% completion rate.
Though the 25-year-old has struggled with accuracy and decision-making for most of his career, Fields took a few steps in the right direction in 2024 and is an intriguing 2025 quarterback option for the Raiders.
New head coach Pete Carroll has had success in the past with mobile quarterbacks, as he won a Super Bowl and four NFC West titles with Wilson in Seattle. Fields could have success with Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who has also worked with a few mobile signal-callers.
Additionally, Fields won’t cost too much to acquire, as Spotrac projects the former first-round pick will land a one-year deal worth $6.4 million on the open market, though Pro Football Focus believes that number could be $11 million for one season.
Las Vegas is slated to have $92 million in cap space this offseason, per Over the Cap, so the team has plenty of money to sign Fields and also address other positions of need.
Overall, Justin Fields isn’t an elite quarterback and has some flaws. However, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft could flourish in Kelly’s offense with a couple of dynamic playmakers, including All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers and veteran wide receiver Jakobi Meyers.
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