Pete Carroll provides thoughts on potential quarterback battle

Geno Smith is firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025, that much is certain.

However, rumors have popped up over the offseason that the battle behind Smith is decidedly less cut and dry. It was presumed that third-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell would be the locked-in backup, but the selection of North Dakota State product Cam Miller in the sixth round of April’s draft has raised some questions. Both are expected to make the 53-man roster, but there is the chance the Raiders consider dealing O’Connell if Miller wins that battle.

It is serving as one of the more under-the-radar battles of training camp, and the result could become even more important is Smith ends up missing time.

Pete Carroll has spoken on both of his options for backup quarterback.

When asked about the battle during training camp, Carroll suggested that it is going to be close between the two, but O’Connell currently has the edge.

“We’ve got a good chance to see Aidan,” Carroll stated. “He’s impressed our coaches—his learning ability, his understanding of the game, and his poise in handling situations.”

It should be no surprise that O’Connell has displayed mental toughness early on, especially with how he has had to step in during both of his NFL seasons so far.

While a 7-10 record as a starter is certainly not the best, O’Connell has rarely been the reason the Raiders have lost those games. Through 20 games and 17 starts, O’Connell has thrown for 3,830 yards and 20 touchdowns. Those are good numbers for a fourth-round quarterback, and it would explain why he has survived two coaching changes in his career so far.

Meanwhile, Miller is still working on making the transition from the FCS to the NFL.

“He’s just getting rolling,” Carroll said about the rookie.

O’Connell holds the advantage as training camp enters the early stages, but Miller still has an opening if he impresses the coaching staff,