Raiders Rumors: LV Explored Trading Up in Round 1 of 2024 NFL Draft amid Fields Buzz

The Las Vegas Raiders reportedly have their eyes on a top-seven pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

According to Tashan Reed and Vic Tafur of The Athletic, the AFC West team has "been exploring trading up in the first round."

Part of that exploration has included general manager Tom Telesco discussing trading up to acquire either the fifth (Los Angeles Chargers), sixth (New York Giants) or seventh (Tennessee Titans) picks in part because the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders and New England Patriots "are all likely to stay put and draft quarterbacks" with the top three picks.

"That type of trade could theoretically be made to put the Raiders in range for a player at another premium position, but it would only make sense if it were a move up for a quarterback," Reed and Tafur wrote.

Las Vegas will surely address the quarterback position in some way this offseason, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported last month the plan is to cut Jimmy Garoppolo.

What's more, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler listed the Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings as primary teams that are interested in landing Justin Fields in a trade with the Bears. Chicago will presumably take USC's Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick, which could lead to a trade of its current starter.

Las Vegas built some momentum heading into this offseason by winning three of its final four games of the 2023 campaign, including a victory over the eventual champion Kansas City Chiefs.

It also removed the interim tag from head coach Antonio Pierce and has the opportunity to build on that momentum with notable moves.

Aidan O'Connell played well at times last season, but the 2023 fourth-rounder likely isn't the long-term answer at quarterback for the Raiders. Moving into the bottom half of the top 10 in this year's draft could allow them their choice from the second group of quarterbacks behind Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels.

That could mean J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. ends up throwing to Davante Adams in Las Vegas next season. Or perhaps the Raiders will be the team to trade for Fields and reshape their offense around his ability to run and throw.

For now, the AFC West team is exploring its options as it looks to make up ground on the Chiefs in the division.