NFL insider suggests Raiders as possible trade destination for embattled QB

The Las Vegas Raiders have a major issue at the quarterback position after Gardner Minshew got himself benched, paving the way for Aidan O’Connell to take over the starting role in Week 6.

While that breeds at least some hope moving forward, there still isn’t much there, as O’Connell wasn’t able to win a competition against Minshew during the offseason and isn’t likely to be an upgrade.

With the Raiders having a clear issue at the quarterback position this season, one NFL insider recently linked Las Vegas to Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson, who is in danger of not getting his starting job back once he returns from injury.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently discussed the possibility of Wilson getting traded if the Steelers keep Justin Fields under center, and he mentioned the Raiders as a potential destination due to Wilson’s previous interest in going to Las Vegas. It’s important to note that this is Fowler speculating, not reporting.

Wilson’s minimum salary would be attractive for teams, assuming he would waive his no-trade clause. And the Raiders were once on his desired list of destinations.

As Fowler notes, Wilson once had his eye on the Raiders before ultimately landing with the Steelers. Perhaps he’d be willing to waive his no-trade clause if the Steelers are amenable to trading him, and if the Raiders are interested.

However, there are multiple reasons why both teams probably won’t be interested in this particular trade.

For starters, Wilson isn’t likely to move the needle all that much for Las Vegas, as the Raiders have more issues on offense than just quarterback play. Even if he can prove to be an improvement, the Raiders are probably an eight or nine-win team, which does nothing for the franchise.

General manager Tom Telesco would be better served saving whatever pick it would cost and riding things out as is. Las Vegas needs to have an eye on the future.

From the Steelers’ perspective, Justin Fields is anything but locked-in for the long haul. Even if Pittsburgh doesn’t hand the ball back to Wilson right away once he’s healthy, the team is almost certainly going to want the option to go back to the veteran if Fields falters.

At this point, it’s more likely the Steelers and Raiders strike a deal involving wide receiver Davante Adams than a deal for Wilson.