Ah, the elusive franchise quarterback. The signal-caller a team can build around. Surprisingly, only eight teams currently have one — meaning 75% of teams don’t — but every team wants one.
The Raiders are among the have-nots. The club has had eight franchise QBs since entering the NFL as an expansion team in 1960 but has been unstable at the key position since releasing Derek Carr in February 2023. Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder ain’t it.
Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders Has Ties to Tom Brady-Ran Raiders
PFSN’s Joe DeLeone likes the Raiders to fix the quarterback carousel this spring with Shedeur Sanders — should he fall into Las Vegas’ lap at No. 6.
“The Raiders can’t continue to shuffle quarterbacks; they need steadiness with a high-floor prospect like Sheduer Sanders,” DeLeone wrote in his seven-round 2025 NFL mock draft on Feb. 22. “The Colorado signal-caller is a cerebral decision-maker with pinpoint accuracy who will hit the ground running with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.”
Brady and Sanders have an existing bond that dates back to Sanders’ days as a four-star quarterback at Trinity Christian School. The two famously worked out together, and later, when at Jackson State, Sanders signed a NIL deal with Brady’s BRADY Brand — the first athlete Brady ever signed to a NIL or endorsement deal. After Colorado’s upset win over TCU in 2023, Brady texted him, “Don’t be satisfied.”
PFSN NFL Draft analyst Jacob Infante calls Sanders a “naturally accurate passer” who can “take a hit and keep on dealing.”
Sanders has first-round value if the Raiders put a premium on the quarterback position. Otherwise, the decision isn’t as cut and dry.
Texas WR Matthew Golden Could Be Golden for Raiders
After finding the quarterback of their future, it’s time to find him targets outside of tight end Brock Bowers. DeLeone sees Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden as the Raiders’ answer at No. 37.
“Matthew Golden is the most well-rounded receiver prospect in the class, displaying consistent hands, efficient route running, and impact after the catch,” wrote DeLeone.
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Golden, who makes plays from multiple wide receiver positions (X, slot, and Z), is rising up draft boards and currently sits at No. 34 on PFSN’s Top 100 NFL Draft Big Board.
According to Sharp Football Analysis, the Raiders receiving corps ranked 16th for the 2024-25 season, tied with the Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs. A player with Golden’s potential would certainly give them a boost.
Golden is one of 48 wide receivers invited to work out at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis from Feb. 27 to March 1.