The Las Vegas Raiders may have finally solved their long-standing quarterback dilemma by bringing in Geno Smith, a move that positions them far better than in recent years. While debates continue over whether Smith qualifies as a true franchise quarterback, there’s little doubt he’s a significant upgrade from what the Raiders have had in the past. With Smith leading the offense, the Raiders could emerge as real contenders in the competitive AFC West.
This new situation has shifted the dynamics for the Raiders’ quarterback room, potentially opening the door for the Cleveland Browns to make a move. With Smith now the starter, second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell may find himself relegated to backup duties—and possibly on the trade block. According to Last Word on Sports, the Browns could be a viable trade partner for O’Connell, as they continue to sort out their own quarterback issues.
Despite recently signing veteran Joe Flacco, the Browns’ quarterback room remains unstable. Deshaun Watson is out for the season, and the team has more or less admitted that the enormous contract they gave him has not yielded the results they’d hoped for. Meanwhile, Kenny Pickett—acquired from the Steelers—has failed to live up to expectations after being drafted in the first round, and Flacco, though he had a strong showing late in the 2023 season, is now 40 and well past his prime. This combination makes for what’s been called “the most underwhelming quarterback battle in recent memory.”
In light of this, bringing in someone like Aidan O’Connell could be a smart move. Though not viewed as a future Hall of Famer, O’Connell has shown flashes of potential, particularly when considering the difficult situations he’s played in. The former Purdue quarterback put up solid numbers as a rookie and, at 27, he’s still young enough to develop further. He may not be the next big star, but he has the tools to become a reliable starter or high-end backup in the right environment.
David Latham of Last Word on Sports argued that O’Connell could offer a level of stability the Browns currently lack. With their quarterback situation in flux, taking a low-risk chance on O’Connell could give them a long-term solution or at least a competent option as they continue to rebuild their offense.
In short, while the Raiders may have found their guy in Geno Smith, it could be the Browns who benefit next—if they act quickly.
Leave a Reply