The Las Vegas Raiders will have plenty of tough decisions on their agenda between now and September.
With training camp and the preseason fast approaching, the Raiders will have to decide who they wish to keep on their 53-man roster. As per usual, this means that several notable names are in some slight danger of losing their spots around the league. The Raiders are no exception to this, and who they decide to let go of could be critical in determining what the vision is for head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek.
Some Raiders are in danger more than others, but a surprising name continues to pop up as a potential cut.
It is unlikely that the Raiders arrive at this startling decision.
In his list of notable Raiders who could be cut during training camp, LAFB Network’s Ian Van Roy listed quarterback Aidan O’Connell as an option.
“Carroll’s new presence, coupled with the addition of John Spytek, signals a radical change in the team’s vision. Aidan O’Connell was part of one plan with the last regime, but that plan has changed. Every player that was part of the previous plan is at risk, including O’Connell. No one is safe (except, of course, Maxx Crosby),” wrote Van Roy.
“The Raiders could have let it ride with O’Connell, but instead spent draft capital to acquire Geno Smith. One can’t forget about the addition of rookie Cam Miller, either.
“O’Connell has had his moments with the team, but neither Carroll nor Spytek was around to see it. He may need another big moment this August to convince the new regime.”
O’Connell may not have any connections to Carroll or Spytek, but it would still be a surprise if the third-year quarterback is not on the 53-man roster in September.
A backup with O’Connell’s starting experience is a rarity at the NFL level, and the Raiders know this over the last couple of seasons when they have had to make a change at the position. While the new regime did draft Miller, being selected in the sixth round is a sign that he might not be ready for NFL snaps yet. Having O’Connell as a buffer between him and Smith gives the rookie a fair chance to develop, while also keeping the Raiders confident in their options.
O’Connell might not be the most bulletproof name on the roster, but he should not strike anyone as in serious danger this offseason.
