s reliability as the team’s No. 2 option. Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune didn’t mince words on the August 1 episode of the “Access Vikings” podcast, stating, “I think there is going to continue to be a hunt for an option here.” He added that the Vikings are open to exploring trade opportunities, noting, “If they found something they liked that worked in a trade, I wouldn’t be surprised if they found a way to make something happen.”
With the regular season fast approaching, Minnesota is wasting no time in addressing this critical need. Enter Aidan O’Connell, a quarterback with starting experience and a cost-effective contract who could seamlessly step into the backup role and elevate the Vikings’ postseason aspirations.
A fourth-round pick out of Purdue in 2023 (No. 135 overall), Aidan O’Connell has already made his mark in the NFL. Over his first two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, O’Connell started 17 games, compiling a 7-10 record with 3,830 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His 2024 season saw him split starting duties with Gardner Minshew before the Raiders acquired Geno Smith in the offseason, relegating O’Connell to the backup role. Las Vegas further signaled a shift in their long-term plans by drafting rookie Cam Miller out of North Dakota State in the sixth round, positioning O’Connell as expendable.
With two years left on his $4.4 million rookie contract, O’Connell is an attractive trade target for a Vikings team looking for a reliable backup with starting experience. His ability to step in and perform under pressure makes him an ideal fit for Minnesota, which is eyeing a deep playoff run with above-average quarterback play.
While O’Connell’s availability makes him a prime candidate for the Vikings, acquiring him won’t come cheap. The Raiders, despite not viewing O’Connell as their long-term answer, value his experience as a security blanket behind Geno Smith. Las Vegas is gearing up for a competitive 2025 season, but with a stacked AFC West and a roster that doesn’t scream playoff contender, they may be open to a deal—especially if it includes a player like Howell and a draft pick.
A proposed trade could see Minnesota send Howell and a future fourth- or fifth-round pick to Las Vegas in exchange for O’Connell. For the Vikings, this move would secure a quarterback with a proven track record, while the Raiders would gain a young signal-caller in Howell, who has starting experience and could compete for a role in their system. The deal would be a win-win, but Minnesota may need to sweeten the pot to pry O’Connell away, given his value as a dependable backup.
The Vikings’ aggressive pursuit of O’Connell underscores their belief in their 2025 roster. With a talented core and a favorable NFC landscape, Minnesota is poised to contend for a championship, but only if they can avoid a quarterback crisis. O’Connell’s experience and low-cost contract make him a perfect fit for a team that needs stability behind their starter without breaking the bank. His 3,830 career passing yards and 20 touchdowns prove he can handle NFL defenses, offering the Vikings peace of mind in case of injury or inconsistency at the top of the depth chart.
As the trade rumors heat up, all eyes are on Minnesota’s front office to see if they can pull off this blockbuster deal before Week 1. If they succeed, the Vikings could have just found the missing piece to their Super Bowl puzzle—a game-changer who could turn their quarterback room from a question mark into a strength overnight.