Well, the Las Vegas Raiders have finally found their new regime. John Spytek will be the new General Manager of the team. He brings a lot to the table, as he has had his hand in orchestrating the roster that currently exists with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In addition, they’ve tabbed Pete Carroll has the head coach and the regime seems like a home run hit.

Now the real work gets to begin. Free agency and the NFL Draft are not very far away. The one big question that has been the same question since Derek Carr moved on to the New Orleans Saints, is who is going to play quarterback? Aidan O’Connell will be in the room still, but there is another veteran that’s been linked to the team.

Russell Wilson Linked to the Raiders

Here we go again. It seems like if there is a veteran available, they are seemingly all linked to the Raiders. This goes back to when Tom Brady was a free agent and Aaron Rodgers was working his way out of Green Bay. Oh! And how can we forget Russell Wilson when the Seahawks managed to part ways with him.

Wilson had interest in the Raiders before signing with the Broncos. He then became part of the Steelers quarterback room and it seems that the Steelers are gonna decide between Wilson and Justin Fields. Wilson had interest then, but now the common denominator is reuniting with his former coach in Pete Carroll.

Russell Wilson reuniting with Pete Carroll in Las Vegas is a real possibility, per @JamesPalmerTV. pic.twitter.com/PMGWluhsxT

— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) January 29, 2025

According to ESPN’s very own Jeremy Fowler, two former coaches that were under Carroll believe that Wilson and Carroll can work together again after they rekindled their friendship and mended the damaged bridge. Another coach said that he believes that they’d be open to it. Which, makes sense and for good reasons.

Wilson and Carroll helped lead the Seahawks to the promise land and have tremendous success. Together, they had a record of 104-53-1 and made two trips to the Super Bowl and the club winning one. That electric offense that featured Prime Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch fed families. Not to mention the Legion of Boom was a delight to watch. Now that sounds fun. Bringing in Wilson, who has had success under Carroll. However, these times are changing.

Wilson is not in his prime anymore and in fact he is 36 years old. His first year in Denver was a disaster, throwing 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His “Alright Broncos Country Let’s Ride” was a bumpy one.

Wilson has managed to throw for 3,000 yards in two of  three seasons after leaving Seattle. He had 26 touchdowns in 2023, but a down year in Pittsburgh. Wilson split time with Fields and threw for under 2,500 yards. He was playing great, going 6-1, but a disastrous December changed things. Wilson has had a phenomenal career and had a great tenure with Carroll. But signing a 36 year old quarterback doesn’t sound ideal for the franchise moving forward.

Thinking small picture, you bring Wilson in and you can maybe have O’Connell or a rookie learn behind him. That’s worked for many quarterbacks in this league that are young. But does Wilson make the Raiders better? I am not so sure about that.

Instead, Spytek has a plan.

A Man With a Plan

The idea of adding Wilson is due to a few factors. The Raiders own the sixth overall pick and are behind three teams that desperately need quarterbacks (Titans, Browns, and Giants). Given their place in the draft and the lack of talent in this quarterback class adding Wilson makes sense in that regard. But wait, there is a man with a plan and that’s Spytek.

As a fan, I am beyond thrilled that this is the man leading the way. I am eager and excited for how he’s going to build up this roster. Especially, teaming up with Tom Brady to help select the next quarterback.

According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, Spytek plans to trade up with the Titans or Browns to select the next quarterback. That likely leads them to selecting Shedur Sanders, Cam Ward, or even Jaxson Dart.

Sanders could be the perfect fit under Carroll. He is mobile, athletic, and even when you watch him reminds you a little bit of Wilson with his ability to extend plays.

If that’s the plan, that’s a much better plan, one that i think the rest of Raider Nation would be onboard with.

Either way, prepare for an offseason of never ending links to Wilson.