As the NFL offseason draws near, speculation about which quarterback the Las Vegas Raiders will target continues to heat up.

However, according to a respected Raiders insider, the team may very well miss out on three of their top quarterback targets this coming offseason. This news has raised questions about the team’s strategy and what their next move will be in their quest for a franchise quarterback.

For several years, the Raiders have struggled to find stability at the quarterback position. Although Derek Carr provided years of service as the team’s starter, the Raiders decided to move on from him after the 2022 season, leaving a void at the most critical position on the field. In the wake of Carr’s departure, the Raiders have used a mix of quarterbacks, including journeymen and rookie players, but none have been able to elevate the team to a consistently competitive level.

With the 2023 season winding down and another year without a clear QB solution ahead, the team is expected to make a major move during the offseason. Names like Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and even young talents like Jimmy Garoppolo and Lamar Jackson have been mentioned as potential targets to lead the Raiders in the 2024 season. However, insiders believe the Raiders will struggle to land their desired quarterbacks.

According to a Raiders insider with close ties to the team, the franchise will not be able to land three of their most coveted quarterbacks in the upcoming offseason. These players include veteran quarterbacks Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, as well as up-and-coming star Lamar Jackson. Let’s take a closer look at why each of these potential targets might slip away from the Raiders.

Tom Brady has long been regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. After retiring at the end of the 2022 season, Brady left fans and analysts wondering whether he would remain retired or consider another stint with a different team. The Raiders were often mentioned as a possible landing spot, especially given Brady’s ties to head coach Josh McDaniels, with whom he had a successful run in New England.

However, insiders now believe Brady will remain retired. While the prospect of playing for the Raiders and reuniting with McDaniels was intriguing, Brady’s age, combined with the wear and tear of his long career, may have ultimately convinced him to stay away from another season. At 46 years old, Brady has nothing left to prove, and returning for another year could further damage his legacy.

Aaron Rodgers is another high-profile quarterback who could potentially change teams during the offseason. After a tumultuous 2023 season with the Green Bay Packers, the 39-year-old quarterback’s future in Green Bay remains uncertain. Speculation has been rampant about whether Rodgers will retire or seek a trade, with the Raiders emerging as a possible destination due to their need for a veteran QB.

Despite this, insiders believe that the Raiders will not be able to strike a deal for Rodgers. The Packers are unlikely to part with their long-time star quarterback unless they receive an offer they cannot refuse. Furthermore, Rodgers’ contract and the high cost of acquiring him, both in terms of assets and salary, may deter the Raiders from pulling the trigger on this deal. Although Rodgers would instantly make the Raiders a contender, the team may find it difficult to navigate the financial and contractual obstacles in securing him.

Lamar Jackson is a dynamic and electrifying quarterback who has redefined the position with his combination of arm strength and unparalleled rushing ability. The Baltimore Ravens have yet to reach a long-term contract agreement with Jackson, and rumors about his future with the team persist. The Raiders have been one of the teams rumored to be interested in acquiring Jackson, as he would bring a new dimension to their offense.

However, insiders believe the Raiders will face stiff competition for Jackson’s services. The Ravens are likely to use the franchise tag or work out a long-term deal, making it difficult for any team, including the Raiders, to swoop in and steal him away. Additionally, Jackson’s contract demands could be an obstacle for a team like the Raiders, who are trying to balance their finances and build a competitive roster. The Raiders would need to outbid several other suitors, including teams with more cap space and resources, to land the 2019 MVP.

While missing out on Brady, Rodgers, and Jackson would be a blow for the Raiders, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are still plenty of quarterback options available this offseason, and the team will likely turn its attention to alternative targets. Younger quarterbacks, such as Jimmy Garoppolo or even trading for a potential rising star, could be viable options for the Raiders. Additionally, the 2024 NFL Draft could provide a chance to secure a franchise quarterback for the future.

The Raiders will have to be strategic and flexible in their approach to this critical offseason. Whether they go the veteran route or focus on building around a young, developmental quarterback, one thing is certain: the team must find the right leader at the quarterback position if they are to return to playoff contention in the near future.

In conclusion, while it seems likely the Raiders will miss out on three of their top quarterback targets, the team remains in a pivotal position to reshape its future. With a little creativity, and perhaps some luck, the Raiders may still find their next franchise quarterback—whether that comes through free agency, trade, or the draft. The offseason will be a key moment in the team’s rebuild, and their QB search will be the centerpiece of the entire process.