The Las Vegas Raiders picked up their first win of the 2024 season on Sunday, defeating the Baltimore Ravens, 26-23, in upset fashion.
One of the primary reasons Las Vegas came away with the road victory was the play of quarterback Gardner Minshew. The 28-year-old rallied the team back from a two-score deficit in the second half, tossing 212 yards and a touchdown on a 72% completion rate in the final 30 minutes of the game.
With Minshew impressing against the Ravens and establishing himself as the clear-cut QB1, Aidan O'Connell's future in Las Vegas becomes more and more uncertain.
The former Purdue standout showed flashes in his rookie campaign last season but couldn't win the starting job over Minshew. If Minshew continues to flourish in Luke Getsy's offense, O'Connell could be a potential trade candidate for the Raiders before the deadline on November 5th.
A few teams could show interest in O'Connell if general manager Tom Telesco is willing to move the 26-year-old, but one potential landing spot makes the most sense, and it's the Miami Dolphins.
With Tua Tagovailoa's indefinite health status after another concussion, and with Miami having playoff aspirations, giving up a Day 3 pick to acquire the Raiders quarterback would be a solid move for the Dolphins, as O'Connell would give Miami a short-term starter and some insurance for Tua.
The 2023 fourth-round pick is much more refined and experienced than Miami's current backup quarterback, Skylar Thompson, and still has the potential to be an adequate starter.
Additionally, O'Connell would be supplemented with one of the better receiving corps. in the NFL, led by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and could flourish under the tutelage of Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.
Though O'Connell isn't the most exciting player, the second-year signal caller would be a fantastic option for the Dolphins at quarterback until Tagovailoa is medically cleared, and he shouldn't cost general manager Chris Grier substantial draft capital.
By trading away O'Connell, Las Vegas would give the 2023 draft pick a fresh start and get some draft capital in return to continue building the roster toward playoff contention.
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