The Detroit Lions‘ backup quarterback position is a problem. One name they could bring in and solve things is Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell.
After Teddy Bridgewater surprisingly retired, the team has turned to free agent Joshua Dobbs and rookie UDFA Luke Altmyer.
However, Dobbs is new to the team and looks a step or two behind, while Altmyer is still learning the ins and outs of the NFL. It has led many to suggest Detroit go out and add a higher-quality player to be their backup.
Senior writer at The Athletic Ted Nguyen made the suggestion.
This was backed up by Mike Payton of A to Z Sports.
“O’Connell has started plenty of games in the NFL,” wrote Payton. “He’s 27, so he’s a little bit older, but you look at him and think this guy makes a ton of sense as a premium backup quarterback. I like what he could potentially bring to Detroit, and I think you could bring him in and feel comfortable with him at QB2 over Luke Altmyer.”
The debate might be less about whether O’Connell is a fit and more about whether the team will have to trade to acquire him, and how much that would cost?
Detroit Lions Named Strong Fit for Aidan O’Connell
GettyAidan O’Connell
O’Connell was a fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He ended up starting in ten games during his rookie season after Jimmy Garoppolo got hurt, and he looked competent.
He was 5-5 as a starter and threw 12 touchdowns to seven interceptions. A new coaching staff came in, and they brought in Gardner Minshew, who beat out O’Connell in training camp. However, the second-year player ended up starting in seven games. He had eight touchdowns to four interceptions, but the team went 2-5 in those games.
Once again, a new coach and a new quarterback entered in 2025. They even had a new backup this year. O’Connell was 10-for-22 as a passer, but his standing in Las Vegas was gone.
For the fourth time in his NFL career, he will have a new coach and new starters ahead of him. With Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins on the roster, O’Connell does not have a chance.
In the last year of his rookie deal, it would make plenty of sense for the Raiders to look to move on in any way they can.
Lions Could Trade for Backup QB
The best outcome would be letting him get cut and signing him. However, he would have to clear waivers, and the Lions are not the highest in the process. To make a move happen more quickly, the team would have to trade for him.
It would likely take a late pick swap or a day-three pick to make the move. O’Connell will be 28 years old this year; he has 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in his career, and he is 7-10 as a starter. Meanwhile, Dobbs will be 31 years old this year; he has 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, and he is 3-12 as a starter. O’Connell is more valuable, but what is the cost?
Lions Urged to Make Move for Former Starting QB