Brian Hoyer Sends Strong Message About Raiders' Aidan O'Connell

The Las Vegas Raiders used three starting quarterbacks last season before Aidan O’Connell took over for the final nine games of the season. Brian Hoyer started last season as Jimmy Garoppolo’s backup but was eventually overtaken by O’Connell.

There are no hard feelings, as Hoyer is a fan of the young quarterback. He had high praise for O’Connell.

“He started the year as a third-ranked player and ended up finishing the whole year,” Hoyer said on SiriusXM NFL Radio with Amber Theoharis on July 2. “I thought seeing his growth and what he was able to do as a fourth-round pick was great.”

The 2023 season didn’t go as planned for the Raiders. Garoppolo was given a big contract to start, but injuries and poor play led to him being benched. It also played a role in the firing of head coach Josh McDaniels midseason. Hoyer has been impressed with how O’Connell has developed despite the chaotic situation.

“I watched Aidan grow up and I remember him saying at the end of the year, ‘I never thought this year would go like this,’” Hoyer said. “Obviously, Jimmy Garoppolo was starting on Opening Day and by the end of the year, Aidan was playing.”

Brian Hoyer Thinks Team Should Have Kept Bo Hardegree

By firing McDaniels midseason, the Raiders also fired their point guard. Offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi followed him out the door. That led to quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree taking over as offensive coordinator and point guard, a role he had never held before.

The Raiders decided to let Hardegree go this offseason, a decision Hoyer disagreed with.

“I was pretty shocked that they didn’t even consider keeping Bo Hardegree, because when Bo took over as offensive coordinator mid-year, it took a while, but things started to get better,” Hoyer said. “Obviously, we had the big game against the Chargers and we ended the year on a strong note.”

Hardegree joined the Tennessee Titans as a quarterbacks coach, but he could have a bright future as an offensive coordinator once he gains more experience.

Brian Hoyer wants Aidan O’Connell to start

The Raiders passed on Garoppolo and Hoyer this offseason and signed Gardner Minshew to compete with O’Connell for the starting quarterback job. It’s too early for the team to make a decision, but Hoyer is hopeful O’Connell will win the job.

“I might be biased,” Hoyer said, “but I think what Aidan did last year — I know he didn’t show it as much as Gardner Minshew did throughout his career — but I know guys were really drawn to the way Aidan stepped up and his leadership as a young player.”

Minshew is a savvy veteran, but it’s easy to see the Raiders being intrigued by O’Connell’s potential as a full-time starter. This should be a tight battle for the quarterback job that may not be resolved until after the preseason.