The Las Vegas Raiders have seemed like a team partially in transition ever since the removal of former head coach, Jon Gruden, and general manager, Mike Mayock.
The Las Vegas Raiders Still Building Identity Under New Head Coach And General Manager
This year, they feel very much in the same position. With the acquisition of Christian Wilkins in free agency to pair with defensive player of the year candidate, Maxx Crosby, the Raiders’ defensive line has an opportunity to shine bright as one of the league’s very best.
Yet the Bay Area franchise still has major holes all over its offensive line, where both right tackle, Jermaine Eluemunor and Greg Van Roten have either left or are unlikely to return in free agency.
The Raiders also lack a bona fide number 1 cornerback, are weak at running back, and have very little behind an ageing Davante Adams and the reliable but unspectacular, Jakobi Meyers.
Uncertainty Still Remains At The Most Important Position
Incumbent starter from last season, Aidan O’Connell, who took over from an unimpressive Jimmy Garoppolo mid-way through the season, is not regarded by many as the future of the franchise.
Former 6th round pick and now Pro Bowler, Gardner Minshew, who had an excellent year at the Indianapolis Colts, was bought in to compete with O’Connell and potentially serve as a bridge quarterback to a possible future rookie draft pick, in what is considered by draft analysts to be a strong year for signal callers.
However, Las Vegas Raiders head coach, Antonio Pierce, gave an important public update to O’Connell’s future role to the team on Sunday afternoon, per Ian Rapoport.
“Whatever happens and whatever we do it has to go through Aiden O’Connell. Being honest with you because he’s earned that right.”
— #Raiders coach Antonio Pierce to @wyche89 on his QB situation and what’s next 👇👇👇 https://t.co/74CLVfZk28
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 24, 2024
Aidan O’Connell Set To Mount A Legitimate Challenge For QB1 In 2024?
Antonio Pierce is adamant that Aidan O’Connell has the right to at least compete to be the starter next year – indeed noting that “whatever we do it has to go through Aidan O’Connell”.
This demonstrates a shift from the mindset in which much of the media presumed Gardner Minshew would have first swing at the starting bat, given his excellent 2023 season and longer, established pedigree in the National Football League.
By saying this, Pierce not only establishes himself as a ‘players first’ coach; having the back of a player who significantly outperformed his draft status 1 year ago, even if that play still left much to be desired; but leaves the door wider open for a future quarterback selection in the draft by not too overtly committing to either O’Connell or Minshew.
In reality, however, the Raiders’ coaching staff can say what they want about giving players a chance at the number 1 spot, but they will ultimately choose who they want to play at quarterback next season, and right now, the identity of that person is anyone’s guess.
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