Raiders Reveal Asking Price in Potential Aidan O’Connell Deal

Over the past two seasons, Aidan O’Connell has stepped up for the Las Vegas Raiders under less-than-ideal circumstances. Thrust into the starting quarterback role due to injuries and inconsistent play from others, O’Connell performed admirably for a former fourth-round pick. He showed poise, a good understanding of the offense, and a steady arm—traits not always expected from a mid-round rookie. However, a new era has begun in Las Vegas, and the outlook for O’Connell’s future with the franchise has become increasingly uncertain.

 

With a revamped front office and a fresh coaching staff now calling the shots, the Raiders seem poised to take a different direction at quarterback. The team made headlines by acquiring veteran Geno Smith and handing him a contract extension, signaling that he will be the starter for at least the next couple of seasons. Smith’s arrival, coupled with the strong possibility that Las Vegas selects a quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft, puts O’Connell’s position on the depth chart—and his place on the roster—in jeopardy.

 

Although O’Connell may no longer be viewed as a key piece in the Raiders’ long-term plans, his starting experience and maturity could make him an appealing option for other teams in search of a dependable backup. According to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, trade chatter surrounding O’Connell has been picking up, particularly as the NFL Draft draws near. Tafur revealed that the Raiders are reportedly seeking a late-round pick—possibly a sixth- or seventh-rounder—in exchange for the 25-year-old quarterback.

 

“The Raiders traded for and gave a contract extension to veteran quarterback Geno Smith, which seemingly gives them a couple of years to groom a young successor,” Tafur wrote. “The Raiders’ new brass doesn’t seem that high on incumbent Aidan O’Connell and many expect them to try and trade him for a pick on Day 3 of the draft.”

 

Tafur also mentioned that the Raiders were involved in trade discussions for New England Patriots backup Joe Milton before the Dallas Cowboys ultimately acquired him for a fifth-round pick. That interest suggests the team is actively evaluating alternative backup options, making it even more likely that O’Connell could be moved during the draft.

 

Is It Time for the Raiders to Move On?

O’Connell’s career numbers—20 touchdowns to 11 interceptions—aren’t eye-popping, but they reflect a quarterback who has held his own when given the chance. Still, at 26 years old (he turns 27 before the 2025 season), and with limited mobility and upside, he doesn’t exactly fit the mold of a developmental quarterback who could benefit from sitting behind a veteran like Smith.

 

The Raiders could, of course, keep him around as Smith’s immediate backup while a rookie quarterback develops from the third-string role. That wouldn’t be the worst option, especially given O’Connell’s familiarity with NFL-level game speed. However, if Las Vegas believes they can get similar production from a cheaper or more athletic option, then flipping O’Connell for a draft pick—however modest—might be the more prudent move.

 

Raiders Keeping Their Options Open at QB

Las Vegas has been doing its homework on this year’s quarterback draft class. General manager John Spytek recently spoke to the media and emphasized that the team remains open-minded about adding more talent to the most important position on the field.

 

“Remain open-minded,” Spytek said when asked about the quarterback position. “Anybody that can help us at the position in particular is going to be up for consideration. You guys have all done your investigative journalism enough to know that we’ve brought some quarterbacks in, and that wasn’t by accident.”

 

Spytek went on to say, “We’re open to the most important position in sports to get right. We’re super excited to have Geno here, and we continue to expect him to be here for a while, but you can’t have too many of those guys.”

 

While using a first-round pick on a quarterback seems unlikely given the team’s current needs and the presence of Smith, the Raiders could easily pull the trigger on a signal-caller in the middle rounds. Doing so would only further decrease O’Connell’s chances of sticking around.

 

As the draft nears, all eyes will be on Las Vegas to see if O’Connell finds himself on the move. He may not be a franchise-changing talent, but for teams in need of a reliable backup or a bridge option, O’Connell offers experience and steadiness at a bargain price.