A Super Bowl MVP could soon be headed to Las Vegas.
The Raiders may be considering a veteran quarterback to guide their next franchise passer.

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Raiders Linked to Super Bowl–Winning QB Joe Flacco as Bridge for Rookie Fernando Mendoza

Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco could be heading to the Las Vegas Raiders as the team looks for a reliable bridge quarterback ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, the Raiders are among the teams exploring the possibility of signing the Super Bowl MVP as a veteran presence behind their expected rookie quarterback.

Potential Mentor for Fernando Mendoza

Las Vegas is widely projected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the upcoming NFL Draft.

If that happens, the Raiders could bring in Flacco as a short-term starter or mentor while Mendoza adjusts to the NFL.

Fowler explained the potential scenario during an appearance on SportsCenter.

“Joe Flacco, who’s been around, has started a lot of games… Vegas is an option for him,” Fowler said.
“They would have interest in potentially bringing him along as a backup or bridge if Fernando Mendoza needs to sit a little bit.”

Flacco Still Searching for the Right Opportunity

Now entering his 19th NFL season, Flacco remains a free agent and is reportedly evaluating multiple options.

The veteran quarterback has made it clear he still wants a role where he can compete for playing time, rather than simply serve as a placeholder.

Flacco’s career includes an impressive résumé:

• 48,176 passing yards
• 272 touchdown passes
• 1 Pro Bowl appearance
• Super Bowl champion
• Super Bowl MVP
• NFL Comeback Player of the Year

Most of his success came during his time with the Baltimore Ravens, where he led the team to a Super Bowl victory.

A Veteran Who Can Stabilize an Offense

Since leaving Baltimore in 2019, Flacco has played for several teams, providing veteran leadership and depth wherever he’s gone.

Last season showed his value again.

When the Cincinnati Bengals lost Joe Burrow to injury and struggled at quarterback, Flacco stepped in and delivered solid performances to stabilize the offense.

That ability to step in during emergencies could make him an appealing option for teams like the Raiders.

Raiders Entering a New Era

The Raiders are beginning a new chapter under head coach Klint Kubiak, and the franchise is expected to build around a young quarterback in the draft.

Bringing in a veteran like Flacco would provide:

• Experience in the quarterback room
• A capable emergency starter
• A mentor for a developing rookie

For Flacco, the decision will likely come down to finding a situation where he still has a chance to contribute.

And if Las Vegas ultimately drafts Mendoza, the Raiders could become the perfect landing spot for the veteran quarterback.