Despite his initial hesitations, Coach Pierce has ultimately handed the quarterback position to Gardner Minshew. Following the Raiders’ loss to the Cowboys on Saturday night, Pierce acknowledged that neither second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell nor Minshew had demonstrated exceptional performance during training camp. Pierce noted, “Everyone wants to see a player step up and assert themselves as the clear leader, which is something I’ve emphasized from the start. Clearly, that hasn’t happened. Therefore, we’ll need to make a decision and support whichever quarterback we choose to lead the Raiders moving forward.
The situation with the Raiders’ passing game has become so problematic that Pierce was compelled to make significant adjustments to the offensive line during the offseason. This strategic shift was aimed at reorienting the offense around the running game, especially given the departure of star running back Josh Jacobs, who signed with the Green Bay Packers in free agency.
In light of these challenges, the Raiders are considering exploring trade options before the start of the new season on September 8. One intriguing candidate who has seen his stock rise this preseason is Tyson Bagent, an undrafted quarterback from the Chicago Bears. Bagent, who had the opportunity to start last season when Justin Fields was sidelined for four games due to injury, is now being discussed as a potential trade asset.
Since the Bears selected Caleb Williams with the top pick in this year’s draft, Bagent’s chances of securing the starting role in Chicago have diminished significantly. Consequently, his name has emerged as a possible trade piece, with several analysts suggesting that he could be a valuable addition for teams in need of a quarterback. Ted Nguyen of The Athletic proposed that the Raiders might consider trading for Bagent, suggesting a fourth-round pick as a reasonable offer. Nguyen tweeted, “Raiders should offer a fourth for Tyson Bagent because why not.”
Bagent’s performance against the Raiders last season further underscores his potential value. In a game on October 22, Bagent demonstrated his capability by leading the Bears to a decisive 30-12 victory over the Raiders at Soldier Field. During that game, Bagent completed 21 of 29 passes for 162 yards and one touchdown, showcasing his effectiveness as a starter.
If the Raiders decide to pursue a trade for Bagent, they will need to weigh the potential cost. Much like the Cleveland Browns, who are also contemplating trading their second-year quarterback, Doritan Thompson-Robinson, the Bears are seeking depth for their offensive or defensive lines. The Raiders might offer this depth in exchange for Bagent if they prefer not to part with a draft pick from the 2025 class.
Overall, the Raiders’ search for a reliable quarterback has become a pressing issue as the season approaches. With significant changes already made to the offensive line and the running game, acquiring a quarterback like Bagent could be a critical step in addressing the team’s offensive struggles. The upcoming trade discussions will be crucial in determining whether Bagent’s potential will be realized in a new environment or if the Raiders will need to look elsewhere for their solution.
