The Las Vegas Raiders are in a strange spot heading into 2024. Under Josh McDaniels, this team looked destined for a top-five pick in the NFL Draft. Once Antonio Pierce took over, it was a different story. The team responded well to Pierce, and the team ended up going 8-9. A huge question going into 2024 is who will play quarterback. Ahead of the NFL Draft, Pierce praised Aidan O’Connell’s performance, adding that he had earned the right to compete for the starting job.
Las Vegas Raiders Antonio Pierce On Aidan O’Connell
The fourth-round pick out of Purdue impressed last season in a starting role. While he didn’t set the world on fire with his numbers, he was a solid player for a day three rookie quarterback. Antonio Pierce isn’t ruling out Aidan O’Connell being the starter for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024.
“At the end of the day, listen, Aidan O’Connell played his ass off. He did a helluva job for us. You’re talking about a kid that has the mental toughness to play in the National Football League. Whatever happens and whatever we do it has to go through Aidan O’Connell. Being honest with you because he’s earned that right.”
The Las Vegas Raiders signed Gardner Minshew, who has been a good spot starter at times. It stands to reason they would draft a quarterback at some point in the draft. However, O’Connell might be the best option on the roster.
2024 Las Vegas Raiders Outlook
The Las Vegas Raiders are difficult to figure out. On the one hand, they have pieces to win now. Davante Adams is one of the best receivers in the NFL. On defense, Maxx Crosby continues to give defenses problems. In free agency, the team signed Christian Wilkins to a massive deal. On the other hand, this team is in a rebuilding phase.
Quarterback is still a huge question, and outside of those couple of star players, the roster has some talent deficiencies. The Las Vegas Raiders hope Antonio Pierce can bring stability to the coaching staff. If he can get this team to overperform again in 2024, they could surprise some people in the AFC.
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Matt Brown has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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