NFL Trade Rumors: Las Vegas Raiders Facing Uncertain Quarterback Future

The Las Vegas Raiders have a quarterback conundrum on their hands. Speaking on NFL Total Access, Raiders general manager Tom Telesco said the team expects quarterbacks Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell to compete in the offseason program for the eventual starting opportunity.

"That's the plan, to have both those guys really compete through the offseason program, but more so in training camp, and we'll see how it plays out."

The #Raiders are set for a QB battle in camp with Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell.https://t.co/hTOsxcFJb6
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 10, 2024

O'Connell started 10 games for the Raiders last year as a rookie, amassing a 5-5 record while passing for 2218 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The 135th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, O'Connell was a relatively unheralded prospect following 30 games played at Purdue.

Minshew is a journeyman quarterback who has managed to compile 37 starts with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, and Indianapolis Colts since entering the league as a sixth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Most recently, he earned a Pro Bowl appearance for his 13 starts with the 2023 Colts. He totalled 3305 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 17 appearances, winning seven games as a starter. The Raiders signed him to a two-year, $25 million contract in March.

O'Connell and Minshew are both competent (if somewhat underwhelming) options as starters. Of the two, Minshew has flashed more ability: His Colts finished 10th in scoring last season with 23.3 points per game. Still, O'Connell is two years younger, and it's possible his best days remain ahead of him. The Raiders could be better off in the long term if they use the 2024 season to evaluate his future in the league.

Ultimately, the Raiders find themselves in purgatory. They missed out on acquiring a starting-calibre prospect in the draft and were unable to entice a franchise quarterback via trade or free agency this offseason. Unless something drastic happens, they'll probably be looking for a new quarterback in 2025.