The Las Vegas Raiders are staring down the trade deadline with a dismal 2-6 record, and the team’s quarterback room is under a microscope. This situation is fueling intense speculation that the franchise might make a bold move for a cost-controlled rookie to reshape its future.
Could Shedeur Sanders Be the Raiders’ QB of the Future?
Multiple outlets have connected the Raiders to Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who has yet to take a regular-season snap behind starter Dillon Gabriel. Across the league, conversations are weighing Sanders’ developmental upside against the need for midseason stability. The Raiders acquired Geno Smith via trade and signed him to a two-year, $75,000,000 extension with $66,500,000 guaranteed.
However, Smith has struggled, leading the league in interceptions during the team’s 2-6 start and carrying a 2025 cap hit of around $40,000,000. Reports have suggested that the Raiders could “shock” the league by targeting Sanders, a move that would reset their timeline, given Smith’s age and production compared to the rookie’s potential.
In addition to the Sanders rumors, there has been talk of other aggressive quarterback moves, including creative proposals to absorb another veteran’s contract. Still, the connection to Sanders persists as a lower-cost, high-upside play.
As of midday on Nov. 4, his status remains unchanged: he has not played in 2025, sits behind Gabriel in Cleveland, and is a recurring name among teams exploring quarterback depth before the 4 p.m. ET deadline.
Any potential deal would hinge on Cleveland’s willingness to trade a fifth-round rookie for draft capital and Las Vegas’ appetite to add a developmental prospect to compete behind Smith.
How Would Sanders Develop Under Pete Carroll’s Leadership?
Pete Carroll’s coaching philosophy is built on identity and development. His approach involves establishing a strong run game, playing complementary defense, and immersing young quarterbacks in a disciplined, “always compete” culture.
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Former players and analysts who have studied Carroll emphasize his focus on creating psychological safety, encouraging authentic expression, and demanding rep-by-rep intentionality. This framework is well-suited for bringing a rookie into the fold without the immediate pressure to carry an offense.
“There’s two ways to get fans back in the seat. One, Gabriel and the team start to win more games or two, you put (Shedeur) Sanders out there to play QB.”
🚨 @CLETalkingHeads on the #Browns situation entering the second half of the season 🏈 pic.twitter.com/4OvUxOvh42
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) November 4, 2025
In Las Vegas, that environment would give Sanders a redshirt-style runway rather than forcing him into action midseason. Carroll’s historical approach favors a methodical onboarding process, fostering competition throughout the quarterback room and allowing the system’s structure, not high-volume passing, to drive early efficiency.
This blueprint aligns perfectly with a developmental track for Sanders, letting him acclimate to NFL protections, play sequencing, and situational football while learning within a detail-driven, run-first program.
While Sanders remains on Cleveland’s roster and Las Vegas has not announced any quarterback moves, the Raiders continue to be a linked destination. This reflects the market’s interest in a low-cost asset that possesses starter traits. Ultimately, the decision for Las Vegas is whether to invest in development time now under Carroll’s guidance or to postpone the quarterback search until the offseason.