Heading into FA, the Raiders are the "clear" landing spot for the former No. 1 pick quarterback.

Although Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell had some success in the offseason, the team will probably be looking to upgrade. The team lost to the No. 13 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, though, as they played too well in the latter stages.

It will be hard to obtain one of the best quarterbacks so late unless the team chooses to trade up. This might prompt Las Vegas to consider the free agent pool. While there aren’t many possibilities comparable to Tom Brady, the squad should nevertheless keep an eye on one individual.

With the Tampa Bay Bucs, Baker Mayfield had a remarkable comeback season and even helped the team defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs. In free agency, he’ll be a desirable commodity, and Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler thinks the Raiders are the best team to sign him if he decides to go.

“The Raiders could soon have a clear foundation in place with star wideout Davante Adams in place and Antonio Pierce possibly set to become the permanent head coach,” Fowler wrote in a column published on January 18.

“Vegas is the obvious place where Baker Mayfield’s game may continue to flourish if he manages to escape Tampa Bay. Who better to bring the Raiders some pizazz under centre than Mayfield?

The Buccaneers will likely be highly motivated to keep Mayfield so there could be competition for his services.

Why Las Vegas Raiders Could Make Sense for Baker Mayfield

From a personality standpoint, Baker Mayfield performing in Las Vegas makes a lot of sense. Both the athlete and the city of Las Vegas exude flair. It’s hard to predict, though, how he might fit in on the field until the Raiders appoint an offensive coordinator.

Kliff Kingsbury, the former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, has been connected to the position, but he is being considered by other teams. Notably, prior to Mayfield’s transfer to Oklahoma, Kingsbury was Texas Tech’s head coach during his rookie season.

Mayfield had his most success under Lincoln Riley but both Kingsbury and Riley are disciples of Mike Leach. Mayfield would make a lot of sense in a Kingsbury-led offense.

Draft a QB or Go With a Veteran?

This offseason, the Raiders have a few alternatives at quarterback. At the end of the season, Aidan O’Connell demonstrated enough to be at least considered for the starting position the next year. Remaining on the roster, Jimmy Garoppolo may have a successful season after taking the majority of the year off and regaining his health. Notable quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield, Kirk Cousins, and potentially Russell Wilson will also be available in free agency.

But now is the moment for the Raiders to think about making a significant QB play. Since JaMarcus Russell was selected in the first round in 2007, the franchise has not selected a quarterback. Even though that choice didn’t pan out, it should prevent the squad from tackling the most crucial position right away. There is so much outstanding young quarterback potential in the AFC that settling for mediocrity could be a mistake. The Raiders may finally commit heavily to a quarterback prospect in the draft this year.