Prediction: Detroit Lions Trade for Aidan O'Connell

The Detroit Lions boast an exceptionally talented roster, but there is still one more area where they need to strengthen before the start of the 2026 season.

Detroit Lions require a solid backup quarterback to support Jared Goff.

Following Teddy Bridgewater’s retirement, the Detroit Lions signed veteran Joshua Dobbs to compete against undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer. However, neither should stop Detroit from exploring other options, especially for a team with playoff aspirations.

This is when the Las Vegas Raiders’ quarterback Aidan O’Connell becomes a very attractive prospect for the Lions.

Aidan O’Connell Could Be Available

O’Connell’s position in Las Vegas has shifted drastically.

The Raiders began their offseason by having to completely overhaul their entire quarterback situation. With the signing of Kirk Cousins and then drafting Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, O’Connell now finds himself without an opportunity to play.

The Raiders can keep three quarterbacks, but instead, they could look at their last few days leading up to cutting their roster down to see if O’Connell can be used to acquire even more draft capital.

His play during the preseason further proved the potential of this situation.

During his game against the Houston Texans, O’Connell threw for 15 out of 24 attempts for 166 yards and erased a 17-point deficit. O’Connell then drove the Raiders down the field for a 96-yard drive, culminating in the touchdown with 14 seconds left to win the game 22-20.

Why the Detroit Lions Need Another Quarterback

The Lions do not want anyone who can compete with Goff; they are looking for someone who can ensure that their season survives in case their quarterback gets hurt. This point makes a huge difference.

Detroit has assembled a team meant to compete in the NFC. The injury to Goff could have a significant impact on the position of the Lions in the NFL standings.

Dobbs will provide the Lions with an experienced player, and Altmyer has demonstrated some skills in the training camp. But O’Connell offers something else. The experience of playing in the NFL as the starter and potential to improve further on Goff’s bench.

O’Connell has played 17 NFL games already. Such experience would be very helpful for the Lions if, all of a sudden, their backup quarterback starts to play important games.

A contender needs to upgrade its second quarterback for survival, not for becoming a superstar.

What Would an Aidan O’Connell Trade Cost?

One of the major reasons why Detroit should make the trade is that it will not require any considerable investment from Detroit.

Las Vegas has very few options in this case, as both Cousins and Mendoza are ahead of O’Connell in its long-term planning. Instead of maintaining three quarterbacks or even facing a loss in the future, the Raiders can give late-round draft compensation.

A 2027 sixth-round pick exchange between Detroit and Las Vegas seems fair for both parties. The Raiders will have extra value for a quarterback who will probably have no substantial contribution to their team in the near future, while the Lions will get a seasoned quarterback without spending valuable draft picks.

Also, O’Connell will join a team where he can learn from Goff and play in an offense system that favors quarterbacks. Detroit does not require any more major trades before Week 1. The team just needs protection in the most critical position of the game. O’Connell will help them in this matter.