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.

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.