The Las Vegas Raiders, who once seemed locked in on quarterback Shedeur Sanders, changed course when they acquired Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks.

The move prompted the Raiders to select running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft instead.

But the Sanders-Raiders connection might not be dead after all.

With his unexpected slide into the second round, NFL insider Ian Rapoport believes Las Vegas remains squarely in play for the Colorado star.

“The Raiders are viewed as the closest and most realistic landing spot for Shedeur Sanders, per Ian Rapoport. Seattle, Arizona or Dallas are also rumored to be options,” Dov Kleiman wrote on X.

The Raiders are viewed as the closest and most realistic landing spot for Shedeur Sanders, per @RapSheet

Seattle, Arizona, or Dallas are also rumored to be options. pic.twitter.com/WaqglRVa3o

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 25, 2025

Sanders’ draft journey has been puzzling.

After the Cleveland Browns and Raiders passed on him, many experts projected the New Orleans Saints would select him with the No. 9 overall pick.

When that didn’t materialize, attention shifted to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21, but they also went in another direction.

The drama peaked when the New York Giants traded back into the first round then bypassed Sanders, opting for Jaxson Dart.

That selection came as a shock, especially with Dart just the second quarterback taken after Cam Ward went No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans.

While the Raiders appear set with Smith for now, the veteran’s age and contract situation tell a different story.

At 35 years old and with a deal structured to allow the Raiders flexibility, Las Vegas might be perfectly positioned to add Sanders as its quarterback of the future.

Rapoport also believes the Steelers could be a landing spot for Shedeur in the third round.

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