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The Las Vegas Raiders reportedly had interest in University of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the 2024 NFL draft had he been available when they picked in the first round.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Raiders would have considered taking Penix at No. 13 overall or trading back to take him a bit later in the first round, but they “most likely” had no interest in trading up and reaching for him.
Fowler added that the Raiders also liked LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels and looked into trading up for him, but talks never went anywhere since the Washington Commanders were committed to staying at No. 2 overall and taking Daniels.
By the time and Raiders were on the clock at 13th overall, six quarterbacks had come off the board, including Penix.
The Atlanta Falcons made arguably the most shocking decision of the draft by taking Penix eighth overall just a couple of months after signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed in free agency.
After Oregon’s Bo Nix went to the Denver Broncos one pick ahead of the Raiders at No. 12 overall, another quarterback wasn’t taken until the New Orleans Saints selected South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler at No. 150 in the fifth round.
Because of the discrepancy, the Raiders went in a different direction, taking the best player available in Georgia tight end Brock Bowers at No. 13.
The Raiders released longtime starting quarterback Derek Carr following the 2022 season, and they signed Jimmy Garoppolo to be the starter in 2023, but he didn’t last long in that role before getting replaced by 2023 fourth-round pick Aidan O’Connell.
Vegas signed veteran journeyman quarterback Gardner Minshew in free agency this offseason, and after opting against taking a quarterback in any round of the 2024 draft, it appears as though Minshew and O’Connell will compete for the starting job.
As for Penix, who finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting and led Washington to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game last season, it looks as though he will sit and learn behind Cousins for at least the next two seasons in Atlanta, barring injury.
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