NFL Trade Rumors: Raiders linked with shock move for Patriots QB

Could the Las Vegas Raiders be in the market for New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones? Reports circled around this morning that the team is interested in acquiring the former first-round pick.

The team's head coach Josh McDaniels was Jones' offensive coordinator during his rookie year in New England, where he saw a lot of success with a playoff appearance.

ESPN reporter Dan Graziano wrote that while the Raiders are interested in Aaron Rodgers, a lot of people expect McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler to pursue Jones. They are also seemingly interested in former Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

“If they can’t get him (Rodgers), a lot of people in Indianapolis this week expect McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler to pursue free agent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, whom they know from his time in New England early in his career. There’s also some chatter that McDaniels might try to acquire Mac Jones from the Patriots, though it seems unlikely, New England would consider moving the 2021 first-rounder.”

While the Raiders might be interested in Jones, it appears the Patriots are 'unlikely' to move on from him at this point.

Both Jones and Garoppolo would make sense as McDaniels has been their offensive coordinator in New England.

Las Vegas Raiders moved on from Derek Carr after nine seasons with the franchise

The Raiders have been doing their homework in deciding who will replace Derek Carr at quarterback heading into the 2023 season.

Carr has been the leader at quarterback for the team over the last nine seasons. He was selected to four Pro Bowls and led the Raiders to the playoffs for two years, including 2021.

The team elected to release him a day before his $40.3 million roster bonus was due.

They now will have the tough task of finding their replacement heading into this season. While they are interested in possibly trading for veterans such as Aaron Rodgers, Mac Jones, and possibly Lamar Jackson, there are some potential quality quarterback free-agent options.

Jimmy Garoppolo could be one of those options as there is a familiarity between him and McDaniels.

The team also holds the number seven overall pick in the draft. They could hope a quarterback of their liking falls into their lap at seven, or they could try to trade up a few picks higher to acquire a top talent at the position.