Raiders Could Trade QB Aidan O’Connell

With Cousins in place as a veteran and familiar face to new head coach Klint Kubiak, he could work as QB1 for an extended period this year. Mendoza’s development is obviously a major priority for the Raiders and the team will aim to avoid rushing him onto the field. Even so, Cousins’ presence could make Aidan O’Connell expendable this summer.

Indeed, Sam Warren of The Athletic writes “the door is open” to Vegas moving on from O’Connell. As a 2023 draftee, the former fourth-rounder is entering the final year of his rookie contract. A trade worked out during training camp would prevent O’Connell departing on the open market next spring in a way which would leave Vegas without any draft compensation. It would also, of course, confirm the 1-2 depth chart of Cousins and Mendoza for Kubiak’s first year at the helm.

O’Connell racked up 17 starts across his first two Raiders campaigns. He posted a 7-10 record over that span, one in which Vegas struggled to find stability on offense. Overall, O’Connell has totaled 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in the regular season while averaging just 6.5 yards per attempt. Figures such as those, coupled with his 84.1 career passer rating, are likely to limit his trade market.

As Warren notes, the Raiders could opt to keep O’Connell in the fold through the start of the season as insurance for a potential Cousins injury and/or struggles on Mendoza’s part. The 27-year-old is owed $3.67MM in 2026, and he is set to carry a cap charge of $3.8MM. That is not an untenable cost for quarterback depth, although the Raiders could look to free up funds via a trade in this case. Dealing O’Connell would clear his entire salary off the books while generating only $127K in dead money.

Finances are not an immediate issue in Vegas’ case since the team has $23.5MM available. That will not be the determining factor in a potential O’Connell trade, but a deal sending him elsewhere will be a possibility to monitor during camp. O’Connell has made it clear he is seeking the opportunity to compete for a starting or backup opportunity, something which is highly unlikely under his current circumstances.

“Who knows what will happen? Who knows where it’ll be, but that’s the goal,” he said.