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The Las Vegas Raiders are presumably going to take Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft to become their new franchise quarterback.
They've already made another big quarterback move this offseason, trading away Geno Smith to the New York Jets.
It appears there might be one more move coming, too.
The Athletic's Michael Silver wrote on X on Tuesday:
"I expect the Raiders to explore veteran QBs who could be potential stopgap starters (with Mendoza waiting in the wings)."
MORE: Travis Kelce reveals why he didn't retire and signed back with Chiefs
Silver was then asked if 49ers backup QB Mac Jones could be an option.
Silver replied simply: "Not Mac."
There are other fascinating options to be had as stopgap players until Mendoza is ready. It certainly makes sense for the Raiders to at least have a veteran around to make sure Mendoza doesn't have to do too much too soon.
It also makes sense that it won't be Jones. The 49ers are reportedly seeking a big cost for their backup QB, and they don't have much incentive to trade him otherwise after a season in which Brock Purdy battled multiple injuries.
Jones could still be traded, but the only team that would really think about it would be one who sees Jones as a potential longer-term solution, which clearly wouldn't be the case for the Raiders.
Mendoza is the future for Vegas. They'll just be finding a veteran to keep the seat warm.
More NFL news:
- Cowboys shunned by Eagles' free agent for AFC West
- Panthers shell out $165 million for 2 free agent stars
- This is why the Cowboys failed in trading for Maxx Crosby
- Ravens' former 1st-round pick retires after 8 NFL seasons
- This list of Jets QBs since Geno Smith is wildly depressing
- It'd be hard for the Falcons' QB moves to be funnier
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