Joe Burrow to the Raiders? Tempting, But Far From a No-Brainer
The Las Vegas Raiders came into the 2025 season hoping that a veteran quarterback might finally be the missing piece. But the results have made one thing painfully clear: this team is more than just a quarterback away.
Geno Smith was brought in with expectations-and a contract-to match, but the experiment fell flat. Raider Nation has seen this movie before, and they’re ready to change the channel.
That brings us to the 2026 NFL Draft, where Las Vegas is expected to hold a premium pick. The fanbase is hungry for a long-term answer under center, not another short-term fix.
But then came the curveball: Joe Burrow, Cincinnati’s franchise quarterback, admitted publicly that he’s “not having fun” anymore. That’s all it took to ignite speculation about a potential trade, and naturally, the Raiders were thrown into the mix.
Now, let’s be clear-if Burrow is truly available, he’s not just another name on the market. He’s a proven star, a former No. 1 pick who’s already led a team to a Super Bowl.
If you’re a team desperate for stability at quarterback, it’s hard not to be intrigued. But in the Raiders’ case, the question isn’t just should they pursue Burrow-it’s whether they can afford to.
The Cost of a Franchise Quarterback
According to reports, it would take a massive haul to pry Burrow away from Cincinnati: think three first-round picks, two second-rounders, and likely a player or two. That’s a king’s ransom.
And that’s before you even factor in the financial commitment. Burrow is owed $83.4 million in guaranteed money across 2026 and 2027.
If he sticks around through 2028 and 2029, tack on another $110.7 million. And let’s be honest-he’s likely going to want another extension before that deal is done.
Is he worth that kind of money? Absolutely.
But the Raiders aren’t a quarterback away from contending. They’ve got glaring needs up and down the roster-offensive line, running game, secondary, you name it.
Trading for Burrow would mean betting that he alone can elevate a flawed team. That’s a big ask, even for someone of his caliber.
The Rookie Quarterback Route
There’s another path, of course. If Las Vegas holds a top pick in the draft, they’ll have their pick of the quarterback class.
That means a young, high-upside prospect on a rookie contract-one that costs a fraction of what Burrow would command. That financial flexibility could allow the Raiders to build a more complete roster around their new signal-caller, using their remaining draft picks and cap space to plug the many holes.
That’s the model that’s worked for teams like the Bengals (ironically), the Eagles, and the Texans. Nail the quarterback pick, and suddenly everything else becomes easier to manage. Miss, and you’re back to square one-but at least you didn’t mortgage your future in the process.
Can Burrow Be The Answer?
Make no mistake: Burrow would make the Raiders better. He’s a top-tier quarterback with elite poise, accuracy, and leadership.
But he’d be stepping into a situation not unlike the one he’s trying to leave in Cincinnati-suspect protection, limited weapons outside of Brock Bowers, and a defense that can’t consistently carry its weight. He’d be asked to play hero ball, again.
And that’s the gamble. You’re not just trading for a quarterback-you’re betting that he can overcome everything else that’s wrong with your team. That’s a lot to put on one player’s shoulders, especially one who’s 29, has battled injuries, and is openly questioning his love for the game.
Where Does GM John Spytek Stand?
General manager John Spytek has a reputation for building through the draft. He inherited a quarterback situation that wasn’t of his making, and while he did pull the trigger on a trade last offseason, that move had Pete Carroll’s fingerprints all over it. Spytek doesn’t strike you as the type to give up five high-end picks and take on a massive contract-especially not for a player who might not be fully invested in the long haul.
And let’s be real: if Spytek did swing for the fences and it didn’t work out, he likely wouldn’t be around to clean up the mess. That’s the kind of move that defines a GM’s tenure-for better or worse.
The Bottom Line
Joe Burrow is a star. He’s the kind of quarterback teams dream of landing.
But for the Raiders, this isn’t Madden. It’s not just about plugging in a great player and expecting everything else to fall into place.
This roster needs a foundational rebuild, not a shortcut.
If Las Vegas ends up drafting a quarterback and building around him the right way, it might take a little longer-but it could finally lead to sustained success. And if Burrow somehow lands in silver and black?
Well, Raider Nation won’t complain. But they’d better hope he’s ready to carry the weight of an entire franchise on his back-because that’s exactly what he’d be walking into.