The Las Vegas Raiders could end up trading a player who has started a ton of games for them over the last few years.
May 28, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak looks on during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
At the Las Vegas Raiders’ facility in Henderson, Nevada, everyone knows the supposed quarterback battle between veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza isn’t much of a contest—Cousins is expected to start Week 1. It feels like everyone is subsequently forgetting about Aidan O’Connell.
The so-called quarterback competition began with the recent start of OTA sessions. Although these organized team activities are not as intense as training camp—there’s no live tackling or pads—they mark the initial phase of the evaluation period, during which both quarterbacks are assessed side by side. And in the midst of that battle, O’Connell is lighting it up, having better sessions than both of them. And, with him being the third QB on the roster, there is a possibility he’s a trade asset at the deadline, or even before. Having good days during the offseason will only boost his stock.
Aidan O’Connell is actually DEALING in practice today.
He’s thrown three touchdowns in team period to Carter Runyon, Shedrick Jackson and Dareke Young.#Raiders
— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) May 28, 2026
According to Levi Edwards of Raiders.com, O’Connell had the best day on Thursday during the only media session of the week. He had three touchdowns during team periods, with all of them being extremely impressive throws. Edwards noted that he threw touchdowns to Carter Runyon, Shedrick Jackson, and Dareke Young.
Klint Kubiak has mentioned Aidan O’Connell unprovoked
The Raiders have that battle, and that’s what everyone is talking about. Anytime someone gets to ask Kubiak a question, it’s usually about Mendoza or Cousins. No one has really asked him about O’Connell. Well, he made sure to bring up the fourth-year QB himself.
“It’s been solid. Coach [Andrew] Janocko and Coach [Mike] Sully [Sullivan] do a great job in that room,” Kubiak told reporters last Wednesday. “But two really competitive guys, I’ve been really pleased with their work ethic. Aidan [O’Connell] has been phenomenal. I can’t say enough great things about him.”
O’Connell has started 17 games in his career and played in 21. He’s got experience that teams will value as a backup.
Las Vegas Raiders News
The Las Vegas Raiders have a ton of different combinations they can use on the offensive line, as the position battles have already begun.