With Aidan O’Connell sidelined for up to eight weeks and Cam Miller still inexperienced, the Las Vegas Raiders are seeking additional quarterback options.
Quarterback depth has suddenly emerged as one of the Raiders’ most critical storylines. In fact, head coach Pete Carroll is not shying away from this reality. With O’Connell sidelined, the focus has shifted entirely to Miller, raising the question of whether he is prepared to assume the No. 2 role.
Carroll’s answer was blunt but insightful. “A couple years of playing,” he said when asked what Miller still needs. It wasn’t a knock, but a reminder of the learning curve young quarterbacks face. Carroll praised Miller’s toughness, instincts, and flashes of promise, yet emphasized what every coach knows: experience can’t be rushed. “We’d like to buy some more time with him as much as we could,” Carroll added, signaling the Raiders want to develop Miller at the right pace rather than throw him into the fire too soon.
On the surface, this approach seems promising. Miller has shown potential, but he is still too raw to serve as an NFL quarterback. There’s also a reason why minority owner Tom Brady was interested in Miller, and as we’ve observed throughout the preseason, the Raiders may have something special in him. Therefore, why rush the process if it’s not necessary? Instead, the team might consider turning to a veteran.
The Raiders suddenly need a quarterback…
That urgency has fueled speculation about reinforcements. Carroll admitted the team is “of course” exploring outside options, acknowledging the need for insurance behind Geno Smith. Fans and analysts have already tossed names into the conversation—from Tyler Huntley, a proven backup with starter-level traits, to Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who has ties to Chip Kelly’s UCLA system, and even Shedeur Sanders, though that talk leans more into fantasy than reality.
Tyler Huntley makes a lot of sense for the @Raiders. Career 64 percent completion guy.
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) August 24, 2025
Still, the chatter underscores the stakes. In the AFC West, where every game is crucial, maintaining quarterback stability is essential for survival. Carroll’s philosophy is clear: protect Miller’s development, patch the depth chart, and keep the offense afloat while O’Connell heals.
The Raiders, who want to show they can compete now, must handle this quarterback shuffle carefully, as it could define their season.
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*Top Photo: Candace Ward/Imagn Images