If the Las Vegas Raiders don’t come out of the first round of the 2024 NFL draft with a quarterback, they might be comfortable going into the season with the group they already have.
Per The Athletic’s Mike Jonesthe Raiders “like” Aidan O’Connell and anticipate a “close competition” if he’s vying for the starting job with Gardner Minshew II.
Minshew signed a two-year, $25 million deal with the Raiders in free agency. The value of the contract, which includes $15 million guaranteed, at least suggests they view him as a potential bridge starter until they find a long-term answer at the position.
Coming out of the NFL scouting combine, The Athletic’s Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed noted the Raiders “believe” O’Connell has earned the right to compete for their starting job next season, regardless of who they bring in.
Tafur and Reed also reported Raiders general manager Tom Telesco had talks about potentially trading into the five to seven range in the draft. The team currently owns the No. 13 pick in the first round.
If Las Vegas wants to make a move up for a quarterback, there figures to be a lot of competition. The New York Giants, who could be in the market for a signal-caller, are in a good spot at No. 6 overall.
The Minnesota Vikings appear to be already be plotting for a trade up after acquiring the No. 23 overall pick from the Houston Texans last week, to go along with their own selection at 11. Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos are right behind Minnesota at No. 12 overall.
Minshew has plenty of experience if the Raiders decide to give him the keys to the offense. He’s appeared in 49 games and made 37 starts since entering the NFL in 2019. The 27-year-old threw for 3,305 yards and 15 touchdowns in 17 games (13 starts) for the Indianapolis Colts last season.
The Raiders selected O’Connell in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft. He took over as the starter in Week 9 after Jimmy Garoppolo was benched. The Purdue alum threw for 1,905 yards, 11 touchdowns and completed 61.5 percent of his attempts over the final nine games.
2024-03-22 14:22:13
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