While the Las Vegas Raiders appear set at quarterback in the short term with veteran Geno Smith under center, the search for a long-term solution is clearly still on. And according to a new report, the front office recently explored an intriguing option.
Last week, the New England Patriots dealt second-year quarterback Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys, packaging him with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a fifth-rounder.
The former Tennessee Vols star, known more for his athletic upside than polished production, continues to draw interest despite being a sixth-round selection just a year ago.
And it turns out Dallas wasn’t the only team looking to take a flier on Milton.
According to FOX Sports insider Jordan Schultz, the Raiders were also in the mix for the dynamic young quarterback, making a push to trade for him before the Cowboys sealed the deal.
“My understanding is since Joe Milton became available at the start of the offseason, teams that showed interest included the Raiders, Eagles, Giants, Steelers and the Cowboys … The #Patriots had a better offer for Milton but chose to send him where he wanted out of respect for him, per source,” Schultz reported on X.
The report sheds light on Las Vegas’ desire to add a developmental quarterback with high-end traits – someone who could potentially become the heir to Smith.
While Milton isn’t the typical young prospect – he’s already 25 and started just one full season in college – his rare physical tools continue to turn heads across the league.
At 6-foot-5 and 247 pounds, Milton moves with surprising speed and athleticism for his size, and he’s widely believed to have one of the strongest arms in football.
Though raw, Milton’s potential is difficult to ignore. If he can refine his mechanics, gain experience, and learn how to read defenses at the pro level, he could blossom into a legitimate NFL starter.
Now, the Cowboys will have the chance to shape that potential – but the Raiders’ interest signals they may still be on the hunt for a quarterback with similar upside.
One name to watch: Alabama’s Jalen Milroe. If the dual-threat playmaker slips into the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Las Vegas could very well pounce.
Like Milton, Milroe offers a rare blend of speed, power, and arm talent – qualities that seem to be catching the attention of the Raiders’ scouting department.
For now, Geno Smith holds the keys, but it’s clear the Raiders are keeping one eye on the future. The pursuit of Joe Milton may have fallen short, but it revealed exactly the kind of quarterback profile the team might chase in this year’s draft.
What are your thoughts on Dallas beating Vegas to the punch for Milton???
