The Las Vegas Raiders seem ready to make a major move in the 2025 NFL Draft. After a tough 4-13 finish to the 2024 season, they earned the sixth overall pick, but their offseason moves signal they might be looking for more than just a rebuild. With legendary coach Pete Carroll now at the helm and the addition of Tom Brady to the ownership group, the Raiders are aiming to turn their fortunes around fast.
Carroll, known for his ability to develop quarterbacks and build championship-caliber teams, has now set his sights on reshaping the Raiders’ roster, starting with the quarterback position. Don’t be surprised to see the Raiders trade up in the draft, possibly moving up to secure the number one overall pick and selecting Shedeur Sanders.
However, there is another quarterback who has caught their attention: Miami Hurricane’s Cam Ward.
Cam Ward Weighs In on Possibly Joining the Las Vegas Raiders
When asked about the possibility of being selected by the Raiders, Ward expressed great excitement and respect for the team’s coaching staff, particularly the offensive mind of Chip Kelly.
Miami QB & potential #1 overall pick Cam Ward believes Chip Kelly & the Raiders are a great fit for him.
Would love to play for a legendary coach like Pete Carroll pic.twitter.com/8TXmyZe1Ib
— Raiders Report Mitchell Renz (@MitchellRenz365) February 28, 2025
“It would mean a lot, especially with the coaching staff they have,” Ward said. “Chip Kelly, the things that he can do with the quarterback, moving him outside the pocket, the concepts he does in the intermediate game. It would fit my playstyle, and Pete Carroll is a legendary coach, so if I’m lucky to go there, I know it’ll work out.”
Ward was one of the most exciting quarterbacks to watch in college last year, and he believes that the Raiders’ offensive system would be a perfect fit for his style of play. His ability to extend plays and make throws on the move would mesh well with Kelly’s innovative approach.
The combination of Kelly’s schemes and Carroll’s leadership could be a winning formula for the young quarterback, who threw for 4,313 yards, 43 touchdowns (39 passing and four rushing), and seven interceptions at Miami in 2024.
Pete Carroll’s Reputation with NFL Quarterbacks
For the Raiders, a Ward/Carroll tandem would be a match made in heaven.
Carroll has had immense success in developing quarterbacks and understanding their strengths.
During his time with the Seattle Seahawks, Carroll and Russell Wilson were one of the NFL’s most successful quarterback/head coach duos.
Under Carroll’s tutelage, Wilson managed to throw for over 37,000 yards, completed 65% of his passes, with just under 300 passing touchdowns.
Once Wilson skipped town, Carroll helped revitalize Geno Smith’s career, helping him win the 2022 NFL Comeback Player of the Year, as well as reaching his first two Pro Bowls.
Raiders’ Plans in the 2025 NFL Draft
Despite Ward’s strong interest in joining the Raiders, there’s still a significant amount of speculation surrounding the team’s draft strategy.
According to the latest PFSN mock draft, Las Vegas is expected to trade up to secure the number one overall pick, likely selecting Shedeur Sanders, the standout quarterback from Colorado.
Sanders has been one of the most talked-about prospects, and his abilities as a poised, accurate passer have drawn interest from all the teams picking early.
However, Ward is not out of the picture.
While he may not be the Raiders’ primary target, he is still very much in the conversation, with some believing he has the potential to be an immediate ‘Superstar’ in the NFL. Currently, in PFSN’s mock draft, Ward is projected to be selected third overall by the New York Giants.
His strong arm and ability to make plays both inside and outside of the pocket have made him one of the most intriguing quarterbacks available.
Take ward over sanders , taking sanders would be a nitemare for LV mgmt, deion would always stick his nose in demanding things besides Ward is a better QB