Michigan's McCarthy: Pierce is an 'Amazing Dude'
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- The Las Vegas Raiders are amid an exciting offseason.
The Raiders and newly permanent head coach Antonio Pierce will spend the offseason looking for every way they can improve the team.
Las Vegas was barely outside the postseason picture in 2023, hoping to return to the playoffs next season.
The Raiders will evaluate every position on the team in hopes of improving, including the quarterback position. Aidan O’Connell played admirable football in his rookie season, but if the Raiders feel they can upgrade, they will.
They could select Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy if they feel he will give them the best chance to win. McCarthy said he has met with the Raiders and spoke highly of how the meeting went.
“It went really well,” McCarthy said. “I loved all the coaches; great energy, great questions, great interaction. It would mean a lot to play with those guys, but it would mean a lot to play with any one of the great players in the NFL, but it was awesome.”
The Las Vegas Raiders have met with National Championship-winning quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
McCarthy also spoke highly of Pierce, as many prospects have throughout the week.
“Amazing dude,” McCarthy said. “He asked so many great questions, definitely somebody I could see myself playing for.”
If the Raiders select McCarthy, he would face Los Angeles Chargers head coach -- and his former coach at Michigan -- Jim Harbaugh, who was hired away from the Wolverines.
“It would be a little interesting,” McCarthy said about possibly playing against Harbaugh twice a year. “Looking across the field and seeing him in the baby blue. It would be an honor just being on that field in general, no matter who’s across the sideline, but there would definitely be some nice, emotional hugs afterward.”
McCarthy finished his college career with a 27-1 record and capped it off with a National Championship. He completed 67.6 percent of passes in his career for 6,226 yards and 49 touchdowns.
While McCarthy is an elite processor who throws with precision and accuracy, he did not throw all that much at Michigan.
McCarthy is expected to be a first-round selection and will likely be available when the Raiders are on the board with the No. 13 overall pick.
If the Raiders believe McCarthy’s winning ways can translate to the NFL and he can help them win a Super Bowl, they could make him their next franchise quarterback.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr and never miss another breaking news story again. Sign up RIGHT HERE for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes thrice a week and delivers all our best stories.
Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.
