Answering Your Las Vegas Raiders Questions, Emails

HENDERSON, Nev.--The Las Vegas Raiders have one of the largest fan bases in professional sports.

They are hungry to learn more about the team as they face an uncertain offseason. That is why each week, we take time to answer your questions and emails.

If Aaron Rodgers demands a trade to the Raiders like I think he will, what do you think we would have to give up for him? --Jared S.

I have addressed this previously, but it is warranted to address it again. The Green Bay Packers are frustrated with Aaron Rodgers (and should be) and are ready to move on. If I were the Raiders, I would NOT give up my seventh-overall pick. That said, what I would do doesn't matter.

Other teams would give up more, but would Aaron play for them? I would give up a second-round pick, but only with concessions from Rodgers regarding long-term viability and sustainability.

"The Green Bay Packers, @BobMcGinn has learned, have all but moved on from the longtime starter. They’re more confident than ever to start Jordan Love, too." Hell of a Friday over at Go Long. https://t.co/cXQ63JNOIF
— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) February 17, 2023

Hey Hondo! Love the work you do when covering the Raiders. Obviously, Raiders have a lot of Cap space and can be big spenders, but they also want to build in the draft. Do you think Ziegler is looking to bring in FA Vets like Chandler Jones, who are 30+ years old, or looking for guys in the mid to late 20s? --Best, Julian O

Great question, complicated answer. There was no reason to read the tea leaves before last season and see what happened to Chandler Jones. It was a big flop, but it wasn't one that I believe could have been ascertained before signing. I know this irritates people, but the Raider Way is best explained by looking back at the Patriot Way. That way shows a penchant for cheaper older players and positional players.

Chandler Jones last season and Davante Adams were not indicative of that. This offseason, we will see if that is a split from the Patriot Way or nearly an anomaly.

Hi Hondo, Every time I hear Ziegler talk, he focuses on building the team for the long haul. So do you think it's in the best interest of the team to draft their future franchise QB? Also, having the QB on a rookie deal would help create cap space to sign some good free agents on defense this offseason! I think Ziegler & McDaniels must go after (CJ) Stroud or (Bryce) Young. If Mark Davis has trust in them, I think this is our best option for the long term. Do you agree? Thank you & keep up the good work! --Emile

This is a loaded question, but I would love to take it on. I know what I am about to say will not be popular with Raider Nation, but my job is, to tell the truth.

I do not believe that Josh McDaniels or Dave Ziegler have purposely made any decision aimed at hurting the Las Vegas Raiders. I know the tin hats are alive with conspiracy theories, but like or hate their football acumen, I can tell you from personal knowledge, and not guessing, both men are honorable people. You may not like what they have done or how they did it, but never did they have bad intentions.

Secondly, I would go after Mac Jones if I were the Raiders. If you are committed to Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler, get a proven, young quarterback with whom they already went to the playoffs and had him in the Pro Bowl while still on a rookie deal. You trade a first (and some other goodies) for a Mac Jones long before an Aaron Rodgers.

Lastly, in talking to my NFL friends, I believe four quarerbacks will be drafted in the first round. Each comes with risks, but there is one player that won't make the first but who they all agree has potentially the most significant upside. I will talk in detail about him in my next podcast, and I would like to see the Raiders get a Mac Jones and select this guy later.

One NFL executive told me this week: "There is a reason you constantly see the same teams drafting QBs. They make picks that have too much risk. In the first round, you have to be risk averse. There is some big upside to these quarterbacks, and with the new way of slotting picks, you can move on quickly, like the Bears are thinking about. Our team sees a first round pick as a must-hit, and I think that is why we do so well. We only have two of the big four with a first round grade."

Hey, Hondo. New follower of the content. Keep up the good work. How would you rate the new regime's roster moves from year 1? --Jay B.

Incomplete. I am not being political, either. I think some moves made a ton of sense (Davante Adams), some were misses that you couldn't forecast (Chandler Jones), and others were skill (Dylan Parham).

They let some guys go, which surprised me, but moving on from Alex Leatherwood showed some guts, and to win in the NFL, you have to have guts with your roster. Please ask this again after next season.

Hey Hondo, how do the Raiders feel about the linebacker group? Do they like Divine Deablo? Any interest in bringing Perryman back? Thanks, keep up the great work. --Alex E.

They do like Deablo, and I know they like Perryman, but his injury history is a significant concern. When he is healthy, the Raiders are different; unfortunately, he is often hurt.

Whether it is Perryman or someone else, they seek more availability and sustainability. The Raiders had horrible linebacker depth in 2022, and that is unacceptable. Constant injuries were brutal. Luke Masterson showed some flash that got their attention.

Hondo, thanks for all your hard work; you are my go-to for anything Raiders related!! I have followed up with all of your articles and QB %'s; if someone other than Rodgers is the QB, maybe Jimmy G, what is the % that they would also draft a QB with the seventh overall pick? Thanks again! --Justin Rodrigues

When Dave Ziegler and Josh McDaniels arrived, I said you should always expect a rookie quarterback on the roster. That is how they did it previously, and they like a young guy they are grooming for the future. I expect them to pick a quarterback in 2023. If they get Rodgers, Jimmy Garoppolo, or Mac Jones, I wouldn't expect them to use a first-round pick for one.

Hondo, I can't stand Derek Carr, so I am glad he is gone. He was terrible. But I am even angrier at Dave Ziegler for not trading him for multiple picks last year. Is that grounds to be fired with cause? --Kyle N.

If you think Derek is so bad, why would you consider the Raiders could have gotten multiple picks? You are right, they could have, but I find it funny how many Derek Carr haters know he did have real value.

Now from this week's hate Hondo file:

Hey you fat slob. My Raiders are terrible, a dumpster fire, and I would love to see you, Mark Davis, Dave Ziegler, and Josh McDaniels all die in a plane crash on your way to the combine. --Nathaniel M.

Hondo, it was all I needed to see when David Carr praised you for being an honest and good reporter. You are nothing more than a Carr water boy and the reason I hate journalists. --Robin K.

Hondo, the fact that the Carr's came out on social media calling you honest and everything that they did should make it clear how bad of a person you are. They don't say that about others. They do what the Bible says and pour hot coals on your head. They embarrassed you in a Bible way. You are a joke and have no worth. --A. Bell

Hondo, it is so evident that you are Mark Davis's puppet. You rip and destroy McDaniels, Ziegler, and Carr; why do nothing but protect him? I think I hate you more than anyone alive. You suck. --Matt S.

Hondo, it is clear that you hate the Raiders and Mark Davis, and you are the only one who consistently attacks him. On behalf of Raider Nation, you are officially the worst person and writer, and we all wish you nothing but hate. F**k you. --Troy D.

If you have a question you want answered next week, please email us at SpartanNationMail@yahoo.com and put Raiders Q/A in the subject line.

The NFL Scouting Combine is Feb. 28-March 6, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. On March 7, 2023, before 4 p.m. EST, is the club's deadline to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 13-15 is the free agent negotiation period. During that time, starting at 12 p.m. EDT on March 13 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m. EDT on March 15, clubs are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2022 Player Contracts at 4 p.m EDT on March 15.

The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency period begins at 4 p.m. EDT on March 15. The Raiders are expected to be significant players in the free-agent market this season.

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