The Las Vegas Raiders have had a wild and up-and-down 2023 NFL season. After starting the season off in brutal fashion, team owner Mark Davis made the decision to fire both his head coach and general manager. Behind the infectious energy brought to the sidelines by interim head coach Antonio Pierce, the team is looking competitive once again.
No one truly knows what the future holds. Pierce may or may not be back as full-time head coach next season. Champ Kelly might be the general manager or the Raiders could choose to go in a different direction.
Another major decision that Las Vegas will have to make comes at the quarterback position. Aidan O’Connell has shown some flashes of starting talent in his rookie season, but hasn’t been consistent. They could opt to draft another young quarterback or pursue a veteran via the trade or free agency market.
Only time will tell what the future holds for the Raiders, but Davante Adams recently spoke out with his thoughts on his young rookie quarterback and what he wants to see the rest of this season from him.
Davante Adams Speaks Out On Raiders’ Rookie QB
In a recent quote, Adams revealed what he wants to see from O’Connell throughout the rest of the 2023 season.
“I just want to see him play to the best of his abilities and just trust himself and do what he’s been doing and do the things that when he had a real great rhythm in the preseason. Just kind of remind himself of what he can do and just keep building. It’s no pressure from any of us and we love him and we’re supporting him through every step of the way. I just want him to be him and be comfortable out there.”
No one could possibly have a problem with the advice that Adams has for O’Connell. He may not be the quarterback of the future for the Raiders, but he has a big opportunity to make the decision a tough one.
So far this season in six games played, O’Connell has completed 63.5 percent of his pass attempts for 1,194 yards, four touchdowns, and six interceptions. Those numbers aren’t going to cut it for a starting quarterback, but he is just a rookie. Adams also has been very vocal about his support for O’Connell.
Who could the Raiders target this offseason to replace O’Connell? Many reports have linked them as a potential trade suitor for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields if he becomes available. Outside of that kind of option, drafting another rookie may not make great sense for Las Vegas.
Expect to hear a ton of rumors about the Raiders as the offseason draws closer. They have a lot of tough decisions to make and O’Connell’s future as the team’s starter will be one of them.