New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr was let go by the Las Vegas Raiders last year, with Jimmy Garoppolo taking over as the starting quarterback. However, Garoppolo was eventually benched in favor of Aidan O’Connell. Carr, who had been the Raiders’ starter for nine years, was not happy with how his exit was handled by the team. Despite this, Carr and O’Connell were seen sharing kind words during a match for the Vegas Thrill volleyball team on February 15.
There is no tension between Carr and O’Connell, as Carr has always been professional. O’Connell stated that the Raiders assigned him the No. 4 jersey, so it was not his choice. The decision-makers responsible for Carr’s departure are no longer with the team. O’Connell initially started the 2023 season as the third-string quarterback behind Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer. However, after Josh McDaniels was fired, O’Connell became the full-time starter and performed well, finishing with a 5-5 record and 12 touchdowns to seven interceptions.
During a three-game losing streak from Week 11 to Week 14, O’Connell’s starting job was in jeopardy. But his teammates, including wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, supported him through the adversity. Meyers was impressed with how O’Connell remained composed despite the challenges. It is uncertain if O’Connell will start next season, as there is talk of the Raiders pursuing another quarterback. However, the veterans on the team seem to be open to O’Connell getting another chance to lead the offense.
Austin Boyd has covered the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Lakers for various publications.
According to the Source heavy.com