Raiders Under Contract: QB Aidan O'Connell
The Las Vegas Raiders had a rather unique year at the quarterback position.
Despite signing free-agent veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo last offseason, the team looked to its rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell when their new regime took over in late October.
The Raiders had selected O'Connell in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. They signed him to a $4.3-million rookie contract in May.
O'Connell had himself a stellar preseason but would not see the field until Week 4 when he made his first-career start against the Los Angeles Chargers. He was inactive for the next two weeks before seeing action against the Chicago Bears in Week 8, taking over for veteran Brian Hoyer, who was benched after throwing his second interception of the contest.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell has three years remaining on his $4.3-million rookie deal.
© Denny Medley | 2023 Dec 25
The following week, the Raiders fell to the Detroit Lions. It would be Garoppolo's last start of the season, as O'Connell was named QB1 for the rest of the season.
While it was not an ideal situation for Las Vegas, O'Connell got better every week and learned how to become a professional. He helped lead the Raiders to a 5-4 record since his takeover, including a 63-21 blowout against the Los Angeles Chargers and an upset victory over their biggest rival, the Kansas City Chiefs.
O'Connell finished the season with 2,218 passing yards and 12 touchdowns.
Regardless of where O'Connell ends up on the depth chart by the start of next season, he has gained tremendous experience so far in what could be a great career.
As for the team, the Raiders have a reliable backup, should that be his role next season.
From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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