First-Year Raider Evaluations: Jarrett Stidham

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham surpassed expectations when he filled in to finish the 2022-23 season.

A lot of things happened for the Las Vegas Raiders this season that were not expected when spirits were high heading into Week 1.

One of those surprises was quarterback Jarrett Stidham stepping in for the final two games of the regular season.

Las Vegas acquired Stidham in a May trade with the New England Patriots.

Then he put up decent numbers in the preseason, throwing for a total of 316 yards on 29 completions while rushing for two touchdowns.

From there, Stidham would only get to throw in one game between then and his two starts at the end of the year.

Stidham posted 72 yards on eight completions in that Week 8 game against the New Orleans Saints.

When quarterback Derek Carr was announced to be benched for the last two games of the regular season, Stidham's name was called.

The first-year Raider showed out against the San Francisco 49ers on Week 17 in the first start of his NFL career.

Stidham registered 365 passing yards, more than Carr had reached in any game all season. He also passed for two touchdowns and led the Silver and Black to overtime against one of the top teams in the NFC.

Ultimately, Stidham threw an interception in overtime that set up San Francisco for the game-winning field goal.

The following week, Stidham turned in a 219-yard, one-touchdown passing performance in the Raiders' season finale loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

With his ability to maneuver out of the pocket and slightly above-average passing accuracy, Stidham proved he can be called upon even against the best teams.

Whatever next season holds for the young quarterback, he has surely made a name for himself and gained some valuable experience.

The NFL Scouting Combine is Feb. 28-March 6, 2023, held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. March 7, 2023, before 4 p.m. EST is the club's deadline to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 13-15 is the free agent negotiation period. During the time starting at 12 p.m. EST on March 13 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m. EST on March 15, clubs are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2022 Player Contracts at 4 p.m. EST on March 15.

The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency period begins at 4 p.m. EST on March 15. The Raiders are expected to be significant players in the free agent market this season.

Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.