Antonio Pierce Believes Aidan O’Connell Can Start in NFL
Antonio Pierce expresses confidence in Aidan O’Connell’s potential as a starting quarterback for the Raiders next season
Aidan O’Connell, Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas, NFL, Raiders
Las Vegas: The Raiders have been through a lot with their quarterbacks lately. In just two years, they’ve had five different starters since moving on from Derek Carr. And let’s not forget Jarrett Stidham, who wrapped up the 2022 season by starting the last couple of games.
Now, they might have their future franchise quarterback on the roster, or maybe not. They were in line for the No. 1 overall pick until they snagged a couple of wins against the Jaguars and Saints. Now, they’re sitting at eighth in the draft order.
Sure, there will be some free agent quarterbacks available, but Antonio Pierce has been asked a lot about Aidan O’Connell stepping up as the starter next season. He’s pretty optimistic about it.
“I think Aidan O’Connell will be a starting NFL quarterback,” Pierce said, according to Vic Tafur from The Athletic.
Now, Pierce’s future with the team is uncertain, and even if he stays, it might not be his call. But O’Connell has been showing some solid stats lately, averaging 236 yards per game with four touchdowns and just one interception over the last four games.
“He’s been resilient,” Pierce noted. “He handled the quarterback competition like a pro. When we decided to start him, especially against the Rams, he really stepped up. Even when he got hurt, he bounced back. The more he plays, the better he gets, and when he protects the football, it really helps the team.”