As the NFL Draft nears, the Las Vegas Raiders could create some room and trade quarterback Aidan OConnell this offseason. According to a report, it seems like the new regime of head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek doesn’t seem “high” on what OConnell could bring to the table. Since they don’t see him in their future plans, they reportedly are trying to trade for him in return for a third-day draft pick. Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the former Purdue product was hoping to establish himself as the future of this offense under former head coach Antonio Pierce, later getting fired from his position after an atrocious end to his 2024 campaign.
The assumption is that OConnell would take over for former Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew. However, they already released him, so the team is completely rebuilding the entire quarterback room. The Raiders have been doing their homework on other options for their backup position, such as Jaxson Dart, Quinn Ewers and Will Howard. Since Geno Smith will be the starting quarterback for the Raiders, the team still needs a capable backup, and it will likely come from this year’s draft.
OConnell shouldn’t have a hard time finding a new job. Returning from his injury last year, the quarterback came back to put on an astounding performance, recording 300 passing yards and two touchdowns. He has some signs of life. The quarterback might have to wait to be a starter, but these two teams could bring him in for a backup role.
Breaking: Another NFL Quarterback Aidan OConnell On Trade Block During the Draft
Derek Carr’s Injury
Last season, the New Orleans Saints were hoping they had their franchise quarterback in Derek Carr after two back-to-back explosive performances, but it doesn’t look like that will happen. In yet another injury, it will be time for the Saints to part ways with the veteran quarterback, and the team is back to square one. This might be a wake-up call to finally motivate general manager Mickey Loomis to embrace the rebuild. Second-year Spencer Rattler will likely be their next signal-caller, which gives new head coach Kellen Moore a new regime that he was already establishing.
However, he’s far from anything that proves he could be their long-term answer, as the Saints are better off drafting a quarterback. Despite that, they might have to trade for someone like OConnell to give them another option. He might not start immediately since there is still hope for Rattler. Perhaps, the two could battle it out at training camp to give them a chance to prove their abilities.
Learning From Lamar
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens finally got a dependable backup option in former Dallas Cowboy Cooper Rush. This doesn’t mean he will take back-to-back MVP Lamar Jackson’s job, but it’s better for the Ravens to have several quarterbacks in case Jackson goes down. Rush is capable of holding it down, but doesn’t seem like the type to win games in the postseason. This isn’t to say Jackson will suffer an injury this upcoming season, but OConnell might be able to take over as the backup one day.
OConnell will never start for the Ravens, but this could be a great opportunity for him to learn from the best of the best in Baltimore.
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