The Las Vegas Raiders have looked like a totally different team since the firings of general manager Dave Ziegler, head coach Josh McDaniels and offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi. The players look rejuvenated and more engaged on the field, playing at a level not previously seen.
The Raiders won the first two games under interim head coach Antonio Pierce but fell short in game three against the Miami Dolphins over the weekend. The defense did everything they could to keep the team in the game, forcing three turnovers, but the offense did not do its part.
The biggest change that Pierce made was replacing veteran Jimmy Garoppolo with rookie Aidan O’Connell as the starting quarterback. This is a great chance for O’Connell to audition for the job beyond 2023, but based on early results, it would not be shocking if Las Vegas looks to bring in some options this offseason.
O’Connell has certainly shown some positives, but there have been some negatives popping up the more he is playing. He tends to hold onto the ball too long in the pocket and he needs to continue working on his accuracy. Limited athleticism leads to limited escapability and little rushing, which makes it tough to operate in the modern NFL.
Not being committed to O’Connell 100 percent into the future is a major reason why Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report has suggested the Raiders make a move for a more established quarterback. Ballentine believes a prime target for the team is Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears.
“The Raiders made a move for Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason, but with Josh McDaniels out of the building, they are a good candidate. Fields would give them a dynamic, promising quarterback for a new head coach to build around,” Ballentine wrote.
Ballentine hypothesized that it would cost a first-round pick to get Fields from the Bears. If that is the case, the Raiders would be better off looking elsewhere. Surrendering a first-round pick for a quarterback who has a 6-26 record to this point is not something any ownership group would be jumping at the opportunity to do.
Heading into Year 4 of his career in 2024, Fields would also be in line for a contract extension and a decision would need to be made on his fifth-year option. Would the Raiders be willing to do that, or is taking a second-tier option in the 2024 NFL Draft and resetting the clock a more prudent route?
There is no doubt Fields has the talent to succeed in the NFL, but does the price, what it would cost to acquire him and a contract extension, match up to that? It will be something worth keeping an eye on as Chicago could have the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft again courtesy of the Carolina Panthers.
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