The Las Vegas Raiders' quarterback situation is, without a shadow of a doubt, the biggest storyline entering training camp. Not only is the team set to have a battle between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell, but neither quarterback is a guaranteed to elevate this team to where it wants to go.
With that in mind, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox suggested the Raiders as a possible landing spot for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who he believes could be traded at some point in 2024.
Here's what Knox wrote about Heinicke and the Raiders:
The Las Vegas Raiders could have interest in Heinicke if they aren't thrilled with how the competition between Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew is unfolding.
Raiders passing game coordinator Scott Turner was the Washington Commanders offensive coordinator in 2021 and 2022, when Heinicke made 24 starts for the franchise.
It makes sense to consider Heinicke a trade candidate after the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins and drafted Michael Penix Jr. Knox also believes it'll take a fifth-round selection to acquire the backup quarterback.
However, that just wouldn't make any sense for the Raiders. While his connection with Scott Turner is all well and good, Heinicke is not better than either of the Raiders' current options, and certainly not worth a fifth-round pick.
If the Raiders are going to trade for a quarterback at any point before or during the 2024 season, it has to be for a difference-maker. Heinicke does not qualify as such.
