NFL Insider Says 'Don't Be Surprised' if Raiders Try to Trade for Sanders if QB Slides

After signing veteran quarterback Geno Smith this offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders aren't expected to select a signal-caller early in the 2025 NFL draft.

However, with uncertainty surrounding a landing spot for Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, ESPN's Ben Solak suggested that the Raiders could make a move to select him depending on how far he falls in the first round.

"I do not think the Raiders would take Sanders at No. 6, and I do not think new coach Pete Carroll wants to take anyone who could unseat Smith," Solak stated. "But if Sanders slides to the end of Round 1, don't be surprised if they are one of the teams trying to trade up."

The Raiders signed Smith to a contract extension that ties him to the team through the 2027 season. However, Solak explained that Smith's deal is "extremely front-loaded" and gives the team potential outs if necessary.

"After the 2025 season, he will hit their cap for only $26.5 million if he's retained in 2026, and he would represent only $18.5 million in dead cap space if released," Solak stated. "All of his 2027 money is unguaranteed. He got a two-year deal that can easily become a one-year deal if, say, a rookie quarterback outplays him in 2025."

Sanders has been a polarizing prospect, with draft projections listing him anywhere between picks 2 to 32. If things play out their way and Sanders tumbles down the draft board, the Raiders could address another hole on their roster with the No. 6 pick and still land their future franchise quarterback.

"Las Vegas needs plenty of defensive help in this draft, but the offense is further along than people realize, and could support a young quarterback," Solak noted. "Sanders' existing relationship with Tom Brady, who is a minority owner of the team, should not be underestimated as a factor."