For the first time since he has been drafted, there are reasons to wonder if Derek Carr’s starting job is in danger with the Raiders. After two seasons under Jon Gruden, it feels like there is a chance the team tries to upgrade that position this offseason. If that is indeed the case, the Raiders will have plenty of options to do so.
One such option is signing a veteran quarterback in free agency, such as a Philip Rivers. In a recent article by Marc Sessler of NFL.com, he suggests Gruden could have an interest in Rivers like he did with Brad Johnson when in Tampa Bay. Take a look at Sessler’s thoughts on why the pairing is so appealing:
While the Bucs reportedly harbor “legitimate” interest in the 38-year-old flinger, I’m wishing for a juicier landing spot: Las Vegas. Why not side with Jon Gruden and the Raiders? After all, this is the coach who fell hard for a latter-stage Rich Gannon before winning a Super Bowl with a 34-year-old Brad Johnson. Close your eyes and envision Rivers guiding the surging black-clad Raiders to a rousing Monday night comeback over the we-should-have-rethought-this-plan Bolts. I see it, too.
While Rivers would be intriguing behind the Raiders’ offensive line and with Gruden, it seems unlikely that the team would dump Carr for a veteran who is clearly in decline. If the Raiders decide to try to upgrade the position, look for them to utilize the draft and find a younger option.
While it may be fun to imagine Rivers in the Silver and Black, don’t count on it being an option for this team going forward.
