Raiders Eye Jalen Milroe Despite Geno Smith Signing
Jalen Milroe, former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback, is reportedly being considered by the Las Vegas Raiders, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Despite the team recently acquiring veteran quarterback Geno Smith, Milroe’s potential addition is seen as a strategic investment in the franchise’s future. Smith, who spent last season with the Seattle Seahawks, is set to debut for the Raiders this upcoming season.
Milroe, who played at Alabama from 2021 to 2024, wrapped up his senior year with 2,844 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Fowler stated via Bleacher Report that the Raiders are on Milroe’s radar because of Smith’s presence. “That would be a team he would love to go to, to slide behind Smith for a couple of years and learn,” Fowler said.
In the previous NFL season, Geno Smith tallied 4,320 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. While solid, his performance hasn’t quite reached elite status—something the Raiders hope Milroe could eventually deliver.
However, there is one area where Milroe needs significant improvement: red zone execution. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky, appearing on the Ross Tucker Podcast, pointed out that Milroe struggles when close to the end zone. “In the red zone he’s REALLY bad. And for a dynamic athlete, that’s weird, because it should be easier for you because you’re the threat to run,” Orlovsky said. He emphasized that this aspect of Milroe’s game must improve if he’s to succeed at the professional level.
As of now, Milroe is projected to be the fourth quarterback selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Improving his red zone efficiency could be key to unlocking his full potential and securing a future as a franchise QB.
