Raiders Eye 'Experienced' Backup QB After Aidan O'Connell Injury, Pete Carroll Says

After losing backup quarterback Aidan O'Connell to a fractured wrist, the Las Vegas Raiders are hoping to find a replacement before the start of the 2025 season.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said the team is in the market for a backup quarterback and is seeking "an experienced player who can help us."

O'Connell suffered the injury in the Raiders' 20-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in the preseason finale on Saturday night. Carroll announced that he will need surgery and he's expected to miss six to eight weeks. The 26-year-old was set to be the primary backup for Las Vegas veteran quarterback Geno Smith.

The Raiders also have 2025 sixth-round pick Cam Miller available, but Carroll made it clear that the team will search for someone with experience.

"All possibilities are available right now," Carroll told reporters Sunday. "I mean, wherever they come from, and we're looking everywhere to see if we find the best guy that fits us."

Carroll is entering his first year as head coach of the Raiders after spending the 2024 season as a senior adviser to the Seattle Seahawks following his 14-year run as the team's head coach. Upon his arrival to Las Vegas, the team acquired Smith, who thrived under Carroll during their time together in Seattle.

Still, it would be smart for the Raiders to make another addition to the quarterback room in O'Connell's absence. Las Vegas could wait to see who becomes available after the roster cutdown deadline on Tuesday and try to strike gold on the open market.