Could Raiders trade ex-starting QB during draft weekend?

Raiders general manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Insider believes Raiders could trade ex-starting QB during draft weekend

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi Dombro | Last updated Apr 12, 2025 1:37 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders struggled mightily last season, largely due to a lack of talent at the quarterback position. New general manager John Spytek remedied that this offseason by trading for two-time Pro Bowler Geno Smith.

Aidan O'Connell, who started 17 games for the franchise over the last two seasons, is still under contract for the next two years. On Friday, however, The Athletic's Vic Tafur reported that O'Connell could be used as a trade chip on NFL Draft weekend.

"Bringing in a young quarterback to learn behind Smith makes sense (and we think the Raiders might trade Aidan O’Connell on draft weekend)," wrote Tafur.

There is a slew of young quarterbacks in this year's draft class who the Raiders have met with, including Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, Will Howard, Jalen Milroe and Quinn Ewers. Any of those players would be a more suitable replacement for Smith and provide a potential long-term option at the position.

O'Connell had flashes during his rookie season, but he regressed in year two and ultimately showed that he is not a franchise quarterback. If the team could net a late-round pick for his talents, then they should jump at the opportunity to do so and opt for a young signal-caller in the draft instead.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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