Getty Image / Katelyn Mulcahy
The Las Vegas Raiders seemed content to head into the season starting newly-acquired quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. But, rookie Aidan O’Connell is surely making the Raiders think about starting him.
Most thought that the team could be in a market for a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft, as Garoppolo is likely a stopgap. They may have their quarterback of the future, based on early returns.
The 24-year-old out of Purdue played in 33 games for the Boilermakers, and threw for over 9200 yards in his career. That was good enough to get him selected in the 4th round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Raiders. But, again, the expectation would be that he would back up Jimmy Garoppolo, whom the team brought in after they shipped Derek Carr to New Orleans.
But, O’Connell has been lights out in the preseason so far. He’s 26-36 for 304 yards and three touchdowns through two preseason games.
Take a look at some highlights from his 11-18 for 163 yards and two touchdowns performance on Saturday.
40 yard pass by Aidan O'Connell 😳#RaiderNation | #LVvsLAR on @Fox5Vegas and NFL+ pic.twitter.com/68447YSsh8
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) August 20, 2023
A dime from Aidan O'Connell + a toe drag from Kristian Wilkerson = a @Raiders TD.
📱: Stream #LVvsLAR on #NFLPlus https://t.co/L9mPiySUki pic.twitter.com/q3exMAzdMf
— NFL (@NFL) August 20, 2023
AIDAN O'CONNELL
THAT'S THE TWETT pic.twitter.com/4Q4eW3qaPB
— Raiders México (@LVRaidersMex) August 20, 2023
And, people around the league are taking notice.
I know it's been against guys really low on the opposing team's depth chart and even some guys who won't be in the league but Aiden O'Connell has lit it up in his two starts
The tight window throws, ball placement, and decision making have been on point #Raiders
— Jesse Merrick (@JesseNews3LV) August 20, 2023
Say what you will about pre-season football but, my guy Aiden O’Connell is cooking .
Command of offense ☑️
Control of offense ☑️
Pocket presence ☑️
Arm strength ☑️
Pin point accuracy ☑️Preseason or not he can play . #Raiders #RaiderNation
— 🅾️.G._Todd_Wick (@Raider_Strong) August 20, 2023
Raiders got something in Aiden O’Connell. He’s too good to be playing in the 4th quarter of a preseason game
— HoldenCantor (@HoldenCantor) August 20, 2023
I don't say this lightly – Jimmy Garoppolo better not miss an extended amount of time, because if he does Aidan O'Connell may just take over for the #Raiders.
— Sanjit T. (@Sanjit__T) August 20, 2023
Aidan O’Connell should be the starter QB… period. @Raiders
— Armando_Cano (@Armando_Cano) August 20, 2023
Odds are that Aidan O’Connell won’t be the week one starter for head coach Josh McDaniels and the Raiders, but if Jimmy Garoppolo struggles early, would anyone be surprised if he’s the starter by the time the calendar turns to October? I wouldn’t be.