Raiders Are Keeping Close Tabs on Unsigned Quarterback Stouffer

Have Raider thoughts turned back to Kelly Stouffer?

A source says the Raiders are closely monitoring developments in the impasse between the former Colorado State quarterback and the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cardinals have been unable to sign Stouffer, fifth pick overall in last spring’s draft. In the meantime, their old quarterback, Neil Lomax, is having a banner season. Coach Gene Stallings joked recently that the only way he’d want Stouffer was “if he plays defensive tackle.”

The Raiders worked Stouffer out last spring and liked him, but they never got a shot at him.

Stouffer (pronounced STAW-fer) is generally considered to be at least as good as any quarterback in the next draft.

There are increasing reports that the Raiders are interested in San Jose State’s Mike Perez, but there is also talk that Perez might not be good enough to be drafted in the first round.

Stouffer, sitting home in Rushville, Neb., is said to be as interested in the Raiders as they are in him.

He is suing the Cardinals, trying to become a free agent.

If he’s unsuccessful in court, the Raiders would have to try to deal for him in the winter trading period after the Super Bowl.