Shedeur Sanders could convince NFC team to trade up with Raiders

It was not too long ago that Shedeur Sanders being drafted to the Las Vegas Raiders felt inevitable.

The Colorado quarterback was open about wanting to join the Raiders throughout the last few months. His ties to the franchise are quite strong, especially with minority owner Tom Brady. With no set quarterback plan, it was never a question on whether Sanders would join the Raiders, but if they would be willing to trade up to get him.

The trade for Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks and a subsequent contract extension poured cold water on that scenario, but Sanders could still affect the Raiders’ draft yet.

Another quarterback-needy team could give the Raiders an offer to trade down.

While the Raiders have addressed their immediate quarterback need, there are still a number of positions where they could use some help. In order to expand their options, a trade down is not entirely off the table as a possibility. If it means securing a potential franchise quarterback like Sanders, a team like the New Orleans Saints would jump at the opportunity.

That is exactly what Saints Wire’s John Sigler decided to do in a recent mock draft, trading with the Raiders for the sixth overall selection in order to land Sanders.

“He’ll step into a good opportunity to develop under several former NFL quarterbacks while Derek Carr works to rebuild his stock ahead of what feels like an inevitable split with the Saints in 2026,” Sigler wrote. “He has the right blend of arm talent, leadership skills, and athletic ability to succeed at the pro level. And his name will make him the most exciting draft pick the Saints have made since Reggie Bush.”

In exchange for moving down three spots, the Raiders also receive the 71st overall pick from New Orleans, as well as swapping sixth-round picks (the Raiders get pick 184, while the Saints get pick 213).

All told, it is difficult to turn this deal down if it reaches general manager John Spytek’s desk. While there is the risk of another team taking the prospect the Raiders want, they have enough needs to develop a solid backup plan. Securing another top-100 pick gives the Raiders four in the draft as well, allowing Spytek to further bolster the roster with young talent.

Sanders is unlikely to become a Raider as a rookie, but he might still impact the team positively.