TRADE | Raiders swap late-round picks for Patriots QB Jarrett Stidham while trading WR Bryan Edwards to Falcons

May 15, 2022

The Las Vegas Raiders continue to build the team’s cultural identity via familiar faces. New GM Dave Ziegler is not only hiring former co-workers into their revamped scouting department but also adding familiar on-field talent.

Ziegler needed a young backup QB who understands HC Josh McDaniels’ offensive system. What better way to have no drop-off in production than trading for his backup while coaching New England?

That’s right. In a cost-effective, calculated move, the Raiders traded their 2023 6th-round pick to the Patriots for QB Jarrett Stidham and a 2023 7th-round pick.

Essentially, a swap of late-round picks while landing a stable backup to QB Derek Carr. A win for the Raiders.

Below is an outline of Stidham’s profile along with why the move was made, and the instant gratification vs long-term gains.

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Who is QB Jarrett Stidham

2019 4th-round pick (No. 133) | Auburn
6-2, 218
Intelligent QB who understands zone coverage
Above-average accuracy with average arm strength
Shows awareness to manipulate the pocket
Tough scrambler who fights for extra yards
Deep ball accuracy needs serious work
Eyes drop when pressure arrives
Backup QB with starter potential

Why the move was made

Raiders needed to find QB who fits McDaniels system
QB Garrett Gilbert was a short-term solution coming from NE
QB Nick Mullens is a strong backup but Stidham offers higher ceiling
Two strong backups brew McDaniels “iron sharpens iron” mentality

Instant Gratification vs. Long-term Gains

Ziegler found value by only needing to swap late-round picks for backup QB
Stidham potentially can give stability to QB position
Mullens now has instant competition for backup duties
By gaining a 2023 7th-round pick (from NE), Ziegler traded one of them to Atlanta along with WR Bryan Edwards for a 2023 5th-round pick

Bottom Line

Ziegler initially gained a 2023 7th-round pick but lost a 6th-round pick while picking up Stidham
Now owning two 7th-round picks, Ziegler traded Edwards along with one of those 7’s to Atlanta to upgrade to a 2023 5th-round pick
In the end, Ziegler no longer has a 2023 6th-round pick (NE trade) but now has two 2023 5th-round picks (win) while still having one 7th-round pick.
Look for Ziegler to trade up in 2023 NFL Draft as he adds value in leveraging draft position