Making a Case For Aidan O’Connell as Raiders’ QB1

Quarterback Aidan O'Connell already knows the Las Vegas Raiders, which would make for an easy transition as a starter in Year 2.

Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce has stressed that the starting quarterback job is Aidan O’Connell’s to lose, but the football world is not going to stop speculating who starts under center for the Silver and Black until the first depth chart of the 2024 season is revealed.

Whether it stays O’Connell or ends up being veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew II, each quarterback has a strong case, but as of now, O’Connell has the upper hand.

O’Connell had to deal with quite a pressured situation when he was handed the keys to the Raiders’ offense midway through his rookie season. That is perhaps the No. 1 advantage going for the young quarterback as he gears up for a position battle — the fact that he was able to unexpectedly step in and remain poised.

Not only did he stay poised, but O’Connell was able to beat all three of the Raiders’ division rivals, including the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.

O’Connell also had some impressive outings, including his 248-yard, four-touchdown passing display in Las Vegas’ trouncing of the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15. That season-high passing-touchdown total also came in just the first half.

O’Connell is also familiar with the team. Not only is he familiar with Pierce, but he has developed a bond with his teammates, including Davante Adams, one of the top receivers in the league. Pierce said at the NFL Combine that his club wants to make sure Adams is “happy.” Giving him some sort of consistency at quarterback for the first time since he has joined the Silver and Black should help that.

Going another direction may not.

O’Connell has a season under his belt and has seen a lot in just that one season —from coaching and front office changes to great-looking wins to ugly-looking losses. The young quarterback should be well-tested going into his second NFL season.

Drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, O’Connell went on to throw for 2,218 yards and 12 touchdowns on 213 completions in 11 games (10 starts). He finished his rookie campaign with a 5-5 record as a starter.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

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