Although wins, losses and ties aren't the main takeaways from preseason games, a player's impact on those results can still make the headlines. And it was third-string quarterback Aidan O'Connell who led the Las Vegas Raiders on a late-game rally to beat the Houston Texans 22-20.
Rookie Fernando Mendoza had an uneven first half, going 8-of-15 for 86 yards and an interception that Texans rookie fourth-rounder Wade Woodaz turned into a house call. O'Connell checked in for the third quarter and finished the game on a Tush Push for a touchdown.
Spectators who anticipated Mendoza's outing under the ESPN lights will discuss his late throw across the middle at length, but there's another Raiders quarterback storyline that centers around O'Connell.
Raiders' Aidan O'Connell may have trade suitors before final roster cuts
Last week, against the Arizona Cardinals, O'Connell didn't see much time on the field after Kirk Cousins and Mendoza. He entered that contest early in the fourth quarter and led three scoreless drives, two of which ended on a turnover on downs, and finished 4-of-13 passing for 85 yards.
Against the Texans, O'Connell settled into a rhythm and spread the ball among receivers who are unlikely to make the 53-man roster. He didn't throw a touchdown pass but made chunk plays to help engineer three scoring drives in the second half.
After the game, head coach Klint Kubiak didn't name a starting quarterback, but because Cousins didn't suit up, it's safe to say he's still on track to be under center in the regular-season opener against the Miami Dolphins.
We know Mendoza is the franchise player, and he'll take over the offense at some point in the near future.
So, what about O'Connell?
The Raiders could keep him around as the No. 3 quarterback on the 53-man roster. They shouldn't place him on the practice squad because other teams can sign him if he's added to that club's active roster.Â
O'Connell has a decent résumé for a backup. He's thrown for 3,922 yards, 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions with a 62% completion rate in 21 games. Despite constant coaching turnover, the 27-year-old has put together solid fill-in starts, particularly against division rivals.
At his best, O'Connell threw for a career-high four touchdown passes against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15 of the 2023 campaign. He also threw for a career-high 340 yards and two touchdowns against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13 of the 2024 season.Â
O'Connell accomplished those feats under then-interim head coach Antonio Pierce in 2023 and with interim offensive coordinators in both outings.
Even though O'Connell has shown that he can be a high-end backup, the fourth-year pro will be the No. 3 quarterback behind Cousins, who signed a fully guaranteed one-year, $11.3 million deal, per Over the Cap, and Mendoza, the No. 1 pick in this year's draft.
However, O'Connell's preseason performance showed that he can lead a productive offense with third- and fourth-stringers. Perhaps general managers around the league take a closer look at his overall résumé after Thursday's preseason showing.
According to The Athletic's Sam Warren, "the door is open for the Raiders to move O'Connell."
While at mandatory minicamp, O'Connell told reporters he wants to be a starter.
"Really, my goal is to find my way in the league and hopefully be a long-time starter. That's what I'm working for. It's what I'm trying to do. Who knows what'll happen? Who knows where it'll be? But that's the goal."Â Â
Far from the top spot of the Raiders' quarterback depth chart, O'Connell would likely welcome a change of scenery, and his latest performance might be enough to garner some interest around the league.Â
The Miami Dolphins may want to upgrade the No. 2 spot behind Malik Willis. Quinn Ewers struggled mightily in his first preseason game under a new regime, going 1-for-8 passing for 27 yards and an interception.
The Atlanta Falcons could look for a backup if Michael Penix Jr. isn't fully cleared from offseason knee surgery. The Raiders would likely trade O'Connell for a late-round pick if they move him before the August 30 roster cutdown deadline.
Moe Moton writes about the Raiders for Just Blog Baby. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
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