Answering Your Las Vegas Raiders Emails, Questions
HENDERSON, Nev.--The Las Vegas Raiders fan base is ravenous for information, and each week we endeavor to feed that voracious appetite with our weekly question-and-answer article: So without any further adieu, here we go:
Hondo, do you think the Raiders like any of the particular top four QBs of Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Will Levis, or Anthony Richardson? If so, is it all of them, or just some or one? --Thank you for all you do, Gavin O.
I will not go into great detail, but I will say this. Without giving other team's a competitive advantage over the Raiders, there is a particular quarterback they like among the top four you mentioned. In addition, there are other quarterbacks who they like as well, not in the alleged top four. Some would question your usage of the term top four because their top four does not reflect yours.
Hondo, I loved your MOCK draft. I like that you had some players that other people didn't. I also liked that you let us into the mind of Dave Ziegler and the kind of players he is looking for. Here is my question. If the Raiders want any of what people call the best four quarterbacks, would they move up? I noticed in your MOCK you had the Raiders trading out their seventh pick. --Thanks for answering, Kevin L.
Yes, they do have a quarterback who they like. In addition, they have others who they like as well, who won't cost as much. I had them trading out of their pick because I do not believe the guy that the Raiders like in that top group will be there at seven or five if they move up. I would not expect the Raiders to move up to more than fifth. The cost is far too high for a guy you like, but you're not confident you would obtain a Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck, or Trevor Lawrence-type player.
Under Coach Jon Gruden, you saw the Raiders fail by reaching on guys, and that is why this franchise is so far behind on depth. You will not see Dave Ziegler and Josh McDaniels taking reaches on guys in the first round. They will pick a guy based on the value at the spot, but the cost to move up higher than five is very high. If you are not confident that there is a guy there that is a certainty, you can't afford the long-term mortgaging of your franchise's future and set your team back.
Hey Hondo, I love your work, and when you were at the NFL Combine, you Tweeted about a long article you are writing based on talking with people around the NFL about the state of the Las Vegas Raiders. I have been checking every day for it. Any idea when you will post it? I didn't trust your article on the Derek Carr divorce; I thought you had an agenda against Derek. Then when his family came out and called you the most honest reporter, that meant a lot—anyways, looking forward to it. --Nathan P.
I am still garnering information, but I expect to publish probably next Thursday, around Noon. That is still a fluid expectation, so it could move a little. Thank you for the kind words.
Mr. Carpenter, With Josh Jacobs being tagged (a wise and foreseeable outcome), are the Raiders and JJ working on a long-term deal? Do you know what both sides are asking for? What do you think are the chances of a long-term deal getting done? My son is a HUGE fan of JJ28. So much so that when he got a Jersey for Christmas, he wore it the ENTIRE break from school. I want to be able to tell him that he will be a Raider for a long, long time. --Mike Gineman, Ohio
The franchise tag has not yet been applied. They will, but there is reporting that they have already done that and haven't. They are working on a long-term deal, but that isn't bad if one is not done before they apply it. The running back spot is valued in the modern NFL, but few can handle the long-term beating. Before this season, Josh Jacobs would take himself out of the game and suffer injuries. That is why the fifth-year option wasn't picked up. Many feel that a franchise tag is in the best interest of the Silver and Black.
Hi Hondo. I am sorry you must read that kind of email from people. I guess that's a celebrity life! Also, I enjoy your insight and articles. I am die hard Raider fan, along with my two boys. My wife is a Niner fan! I hope we can have a less painful season; thanks again. --Jamil N
Thank you, Jamil, but I want to clarify one thing. The vast majority of the mail I get is kind and wonderful. I post the hate because I think it is unfair to make it look like everyone agrees with you. I appreciate your warm and thoughtful sentiments, but it doesn't bother me. It is part of doing the business that I do. I wish you and your beautiful family well.
Hi Hondo. I wanted to tell you something. My wife and I recently went to a nice restaurant for our anniversary. In the restaurant were two Raiders players, and I think it was their wives or girlfriends with them. I left them alone until the meal was over but then asked the waiter to put their desserts on my bill and to say it was from a Raider fan. They found out it was us and came over to say thank you. We talked Raiders, and I mentioned how much I loved your work. They both said that you were, "Their guy," and that they loved the way you covered the team. I know you get a lot of hate, but I thought you would want to know how respectful the players were of you. --My best, Hayden C.
Thank you, Hayden, for your kind words. I redacted the name of the restaurant as many players enjoy it. I also want you to know that I reached out to one of them, and they appreciated you letting them finish their meal. I will send you something for your anniversary and thank you for reading.
First thing first, thank you for all the work and information. You have one of the most difficult jobs because Raider Nation is tough. I hope you can understand all the pain of the last two decades. The question is: how about Ramsey signing or Mack coming back? Any chances of them joining the Raiders this offseason? --Thank You! Eduardo R.
Chances? Sure, but I wouldn't call it right now as probable. There are many moving parts right now and some important visits coming. The plan is being formulated to see what they address via NFL Draft and what via free agency. I will have more if you ask me this question a little later.
Do you think the Raiders are interested in (a veteran QB) because of the must-win now pressure being applied by Mark Davis? I also want to win, but I have always been a Raider fan, and I guess I will always be. —Sincerely, Carl Z.
Let me say this. I know that Mark Davis wanted Tom Brady. I think the Raiders have an owner who isn't detached, and when he sits in Allegiant and sees the sea of red for the last two games, he is embarrassed. Mark is patient, and as long as he sees the vision and the plan, and in his mind, they are attaining it in the steps they have laid out, he will stay the course. By the way, thank you for the kind words in your email.
Mac Jones, No No No Hondo ! What in your mind says he can compete against Mahomes, Herbert, and Wilson with Sean Payton? He is not beating those guys, Hondo. He couldn't beat Josh Allen. Maybe we can get the 85 Bears D to come with him. He is not even Derrick Carr today, and his ceiling is even lower than Carrs, IMO. Lamar Jackson is the QB that can compete and beat those AFC west QBs for years. You make "the McD system" fit a guy like that, not the other way around! --Mike K.
I hear your point and disagree with your premise. Mac Jones already knows the system and, in it, is a Pro Bowl player who led his team to the playoffs. The Raiders compete with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Russell Wilson, but Mac wouldn't. While not popular because Raider Nation hates the Patriots, the addition to Mac Jones, with his age, contract, and already proven successful, would be a terrific addition to the Raiders. It is about winning, and Mac has done it. He is proven. Every other QB in this NFL Draft comes with question marks. That move would be wise if Mark Davis sees Josh McDaniels as his long-term answer. If he has questions, then it wouldn't be a great move.
Hondo, I know you said that the Raiders were not planning on Aaron Rodgers, but I also heard you say on CBS Radio that it doesn't mean 100% no. Can you tell me in what scenario the Raiders could consider him? --Thank you, Vince C.
They are not planning on or waiting for Aaron. He is NOT part of the plan. That said that if the Green Bay Packers were willing to be very reasonable, and he was willing to restructure his deal and agree to the Raider Way, it could happen. That is a lot of hoops, so I don't see it . I will say it right now, adding Aaron Rodgers would be terrible. That sentiment is very strong in the building. While not dead, I don't see it.
Now from our weekly Hate Hondo file:
Jack Ass, you suck. The Raiders must trade their entire draft picks list to get Bryce Young. Who cares about cost when you get a Hall of Fame player? So we lose for a few years, have a better Patrick Mahomes, and he is here for twelve years. Your hatred of our team and adoration for Josh McDaniels make me hate your guts. --Jim M.
Hondo, your takes are ludicrous. Why doesn't your byline say, "Sponsored by Mark Davis." You vomit all of this pro-Mark Davis crap that has no reality. Why don't you stay out of Dave Ziegler and Josh Mcdaniels' way and let the adults do the work? You and Mark can get drunk. He is using you, Hondo, and you are so dumb you don't see it. --Amy G.
If you have questions about your Las Vegas Raiders that you want to be answered, fire off an email today at SparrtanNation.com and put Raiders Q & A in the subject line.
The 2023 NFL Draft will go from April 27-29 and be held at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo.
March 13-15 is the free agent negotiation period. 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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