The Las Vegas Raiders signed quarterback Kirk Cousins on Wednesday to serve as the potential 2026 starter and mentor to presumed No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, meaning a trade could be on the horizon for Aidan O'Connell.
O'Connell was slated to be the Raiders' No. 2 signal-caller, but it's incredibly unlikely he retains that role with Cousins now in town and Mendoza also likely on the way.
Las Vegas could opt to keep O'Connell on the roster as the QB3, but getting some value back in a trade would be a more logical move. The Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, and Pittsburgh Steelers could be among interested teams.
Green Bay has yet to replace Malik Willis, who left for the Miami Dolphins in free agency. Trading for O'Connell to serve as the backup behind Jordan Love is something general manager Brian Gutekunst could explore.
Los Angeles also doesn't have a bona fide backup signal-caller on the roster, but O'Connell would fix that issue. The Purdue product would also provide more upside behind Matthew Stafford than Jimmy Garoppolo would.
Pittsburgh's quarterback situation is in an uncertain spot with Aaron Rodgers still in free agency. The Steelers could look to acquire O'Connell to the quarterback room for added competition for Will Howard and Mason Rudolph, especially if Rodgers doesn't return.
A fresh start would be beneficial for O'Connell, who may not even make the Raiders' roster come September.
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