As the Las Vegas Raiders gear up for the 2024 season, their quarterback situation remains a hot topic. With Gardner Minshew II now at the helm and doubts swirling about whether he can be the franchise quarterback, many analysts are already looking ahead to next offseason.

A compelling name that’s surfaced is Dak Prescott, the seasoned signal-caller of the Dallas Cowboys, who could potentially be a free-agent option if Minshew doesn’t deliver.

However, age and injury concerns raise questions—could the Raiders find better prospects in next year’s draft? The upcoming season is crucial, and all eyes will be on Minshew’s performance as the team navigates these uncertainties.

The Free Agency Dilemma

As the tension builds in anticipation of the 2024 season, the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves in a familiar yet precarious position—the search for the franchise quarterback. With Gardner Minshew II now stepping in as the starter, many observers remain skeptical. Could the Raiders have missed their shot at securing a more promising quarterback in this year’s draft? 

The reality is that six top-tier quarterback prospects were snatched up before Las Vegas even made its first-round pick, leaving the team with limited choices. Although the Raiders won’t admit it, they were likely caught off guard by the Falcons selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick, a decision that rocked the NFL world. With the Vikings and Broncos ahead of them also interested in a quarterback, the Raiders were left empty-handed. So, as analysts flip the script to next offseason, the chatter turns to potential free-agent candidates who could fit the bill.

One name that is making headlines is Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys’ seasoned quarterback with nearly a decade of experience under his belt. Despite being a proven leader in the NFL, questions linger about Prescott’s longevity, particularly given his history of injuries. Should the Raiders’ current situation with Minshew falter, could Prescott be a viable option for Las Vegas in the 2025 season? Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk suggests it could be likely. 

However, pursuing Prescott isn’t as straightforward as it seems. The competitive landscape of the AFC West, featuring the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, poses significant challenges for any quarterback, let alone one contemplating a move at this stage in his career. Beyond the question of competitive spirit, Prescott’s age (he’ll be 31 next season) allows for limited flexibility in terms of long-term planning. For a franchise aiming to build a strong future, this could be concerning, making the case for Minshew rather compelling.

Minshew, despite not being a franchise standout yet, finds himself at an advantageous age—he’s in the prime of his career. Comparatively speaking, opting for Minshew over Prescott might make more sense, given his track record of health and potential for growth. Minshew showed flashes of brilliance in previous seasons and has endeared himself to several fanbases with his charismatic play. With an entire season ahead of him to establish his worth, there’s hope that he could eventually rise to the level of elite quarterbacks.

That said, the landscape is most enticing for teams eyeing the next NFL draft. If Minshew or Aidan O’Connell struggle in 2024 and the Raiders find themselves out of the playoff picture, they’d be wise to consider a promising rookie talent instead of betting on an aging quarterback like Prescott. Next year’s draft is expected to feature another batch of promising quarterbacks, and hitting the lottery with one of them could be the keystone in building a successful franchise. Carson Beck is one of those who will be available in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he already has built a great rapport with Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers, a Georgia alum.

In the realm of football, uncertainty is part and parcel of the NFL game. Analysts will speculate, fans will debate, and the team will focus on the immediate task at hand: preparing for the opening match of the season. The Raiders’ coaching staff understands that continuity, grit, and adaptability are essential for success. As Minshew takes the field for the Raiders in the 2024 season, the spotlight will be on him, and the choices made will redefine not just this season but potentially the future of the franchise, too.

Given the current Las Vegas NFL odds, which reflect both optimism and skepticism about the team’s trajectory, it’s critical for Minshew to deliver strong performances to keep playoff aspirations alive.

Ultimately, the conversation about the franchise quarterback position is fluid and ever-evolving. While free agency and the draft are critical in shaping a team’s dynamic, the current roster must first perform at a level that keeps the Raiders in contention for the playoffs. For now, all eyes are on Minshew as he gears up for what could be a pivotal year—not just for his career but for the future of the Las Vegas Raiders. The stakes are high, and the quest for the right quarterback continues to be one of the most intriguing narratives in the NFL.