Raiders rumor could lead to trade with Panthers or signing of Giants or Vikings free agent

With the Las Vegas Raiders trading Geno Smith to the New York Jets on Tuesday, the expectation is the team is now going to add a veteran quarterback, either via trade or free agency.

The Raiders are set to draft Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick, so it makes sense for them to add a veteran behind him as a mentor and insurance policy.

According to Michael Silver of The Athletic, he expects that's exactly what Las Vegas will do.

"I expect the Raiders to explore veteran QBs who could be potential stopgap starters (with Mendoza waiting in the wings)," Silver wrote.

We highly doubt the Raiders will start a veteran instead of Mendoza, as it's very rare for a No. 1 overall pick to not start right away. But, never say never.

One quarterback the Raiders could target via trade is Carolina Panthers signal-caller Andy Dalton, who has been Bryce Young's backup since 2023.

The Panthers signed Kenny Pickett in free agency this week, which could mean that Dalton is expendable. He would be an ideal fit as a non-threatening veteran to sit behind Mendoza, or to be the "potential stopgap" starter Silver mentions.

Dalton has made seven starts over the past three seasons in Carolina and has played fairly well in those appearances. Assuming Mendoza starts, Dalton would be a strong option to keep the Raiders afloat if Mendoza were to get hurt, or if the quarterback needs more time to develop.

In free agency, the Raiders could also have their eyes on New York Giants free agent Russell Wilson and/or Minnesota Vikings free agent Carson Wentz.

Wilson has struggled mightily in recent years and is clearly on the decline, but the Raiders could do worse in a backup quarterback and mentor for Mendoza.

The same can pretty much be said for Wentz, although his injury history remains a concern and he'd hardly be reliable if forced into action.

We would say Wilson is the most likely acquisition for Las Vegas of the three we mention here, seeing as how he can be acquired for cheap in free agency and no draft capital would be required.

But we suspect Las Vegas would be more inclined to trade for Dalton than to sign Wentz.

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