Garoppolo Setback: Who Will Be Next Raiders Quarterback?

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 28, 2023

The surprising news sparked numerous rumors. Could Garoppolo never take a snap in Las Vegas due to his lingering foot injury? Who would the Raiders replace Garoppolo with? The sportsbook has reacted, offering several options for Las Vegas’ next QB, if not Garoppolo. Let’s look at the options. Who could be the best NFL picks?

Who Is Available in Free Agency?

Free agency is mostly wrapped up, which leaves the Raiders with few options. As always, Tom Brady is drawing attention. Despite him stating, “I’m certain I’m not playing again,” the Las Vegas rumors are still thriving. Per NFL odds, Brady is tied for the shortest odds to be the Raiders’ next QB (+200) if it’s not Garoppolo.

Is there really any chance this happens? During the 2022 season, there were rumors that Las Vegas could be a potential destination for Brady if he continued to play. Plus, Brady is investing in the Raiders franchise, and Coach Josh McDaniels was Brady’s offensive coordinator at the New England Patriots for several years. The connection makes sense, but Brady said himself he does intend to play again.

Matt Ryan and Carson Wentz are also free agents. After joining CBS as an analyst, Ryan said he was not retired. With that said, the Raiders could certainly lure the four-time Pro Bowl QB back to the NFL. Ryan could be the most likely free-agent option. He is +300 to be Las Vegas’ next quarterback. Wentz is only 30; his playing days are probably not over. NFL latest lines have Wentz priced at +650 to be the Raiders’ next starter.

Backups Most Likely Option

Ryan and Wentz are aging quarterbacks that have struggled for several seasons, and neither signal-caller would likely save Vegas. If Garoppolo was to be released, the Raiders could still look to sign Ryan or Wentz for depth.

Brian Hoyer and rookie Aidan O’Connell are the second and third strings. These are the most likely NFL predictions for Las Vegas’ next starter. Hoyer has the shortest odds (+200). The veteran QB has been in the league since 2009 and has played three seasons in McDaniels’ offense. O’Connell is an intriguing dark horse option, priced at +600. He displayed high-level accuracy at Purdue and has a pro-style game. If the job comes down to a battle between Hoyer and O’Connell, the fourth-round rookie has the talent to beat out the 37-year-old signal-caller.

AIDAN O’CONNELL DART pic.twitter.com/uQ84p2oMkS

— The Transfer Portal CFB (@TPortalCFB) September 2, 2022

Following a 6-11 finish last season, few NFL expert picks have high expectations for the Raiders. They are +350 to make the postseason with a projected win total of seven wins. Las Vegas will be in big trouble if Garoppolo cannot pass his physical. He is not a superstar, but he is a reliable starter that wins. Any of the Raiders’ options would be much worse, whether it be Ryan, Hoyer or O’Connell.

This could lead to a tanking situation. If Las Vegas is fielding a weak starting quarterback, it stands no chance in the stacked AFC West. In the long run, the Raiders would be better off to get a QB in the 2024 NFL Draft, which features a strong class. The status of Garoppolo’s injury will have a huge impact on the franchise’s future. This could create opportunities to cash in on sport bets, like predicting the next starter or selecting the under for Las Vegas’ win total (-125).