Who Should I Start? Aidan O'Connell or Drake Maye

Friday, April 11, 12:07 PM

The Las Vegas Raiders signed quarterback Geno Smith to a two-year, $75 million contract extension this offseason, but it's extremely team-friendly, and The Athletic's Vic Tafur thinks bringing in a young QB in this year's NFL draft to learn behind Smith makes sense. Tafur also thinks the Raiders might trade backup Aidan O'Connell on draft weekend. The Raiders have a clear out with Smith after 2026, as they guaranteed only $18.5 of his $26.5 million 2026 salary, and none of the $39.5 million he's due to make in 2027. Minority owner Tom Brady likes the idea of rookie QBs sitting and learning, and the Raiders will have some interesting options later in the draft in what is considered a down year for QBs. Tafur doesn't think it makes much sense to take Colorado's Shedeur Sanders at No. 6 overall, and a good number of QBs could be off the board by the team's second pick at No. 37 overall.

Tuesday, January 28, 2:16 PM

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has been added to the AFC Pro Bowl roster after Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (wrist) opted out. The rookie out of North Carolina showed flashes in Year 1 despite a mediocre supporting cast, completing 66.6% of his passes for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He added 421 yards and two scores as a runner. The 22-year-old appears to be on an upward trajectory, but New England must address issues on the offensive line and wide receiver room under new head coach Mike Vrabel.