According to Vic Tafur of The Athletic, general manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll “don’t seem that high” on O’Connell, and many around the league believe the Raiders will attempt to trade him for a Day 3 draft pick.
O’Connell, a 2023 fourth-rounder, has two years left on his rookie contract and has shown flashes of competence in 17 career games, throwing for 3,830 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions with a 62.6% completion rate.
The Raiders are expected to explore trading QB Aidan O’Connell during the upcoming NFL Draft, per @VicTafur.
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) April 17, 2025
“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.” pic.twitter.com/0zB8nSdvs7
The addition of veteran Geno Smith, who signed a three-year extension after being acquired from Seattle, firmly positions him as the Raiders’ starter.
The team has also been active in evaluating this year’s quarterback class, hosting pre-draft visits with Quinn Ewers, Jaxson Dart, and Will Howard. Tafur noted that the team considered trading for Joe Milton—who ultimately landed with the Dallas Cowboys—and believes Las Vegas may target a quarterback as early as the second round, where they hold the 37th pick.
Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who favors a more athletic playstyle, could push for someone like Howard, whom he coached during Ohio State’s national title run last season.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: The #Raiders could look to trade quarterback Aidan O’Connell for a day 3 pick, according to @VicTafur pic.twitter.com/h4dbBfkWjW
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) April 17, 2025
O’Connell’s future in Las Vegas appears uncertain at best. If the Raiders are unable to find a trade partner during the draft, there remains a real possibility he could be released.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report wrote that although O’Connell has been a solid backup, “Chip Kelly may want a more athletic quarterback room, which would jeopardize O’Connell’s roster spot.”
With a modest contract and decent production, he could attract interest from teams looking for a low-cost backup, but his time with the Raiders seems to be nearing its end.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
