Aidan O’Connell is an American football player who plays for the NFL side Las Vegas Raiders. One of the most promising young quarterbacks of his time, O’Connell’s name has started to make waves in the NFL. In this article, we will take a look at O’Connell’s rookie contract that the Raiders quarterback signed just a few months ago.
Born on September 1, 1998, in Long Grove, Illinois, Aidan O’Connell began his football career at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. O’Connell also used to play basketball alongside football at that time. After finishing high school, O’Connell joined the Wheaton College. However, he later decided to shift to Purdue University just a month later.
Entering into the 2023 NFL draft, Aidan O’Connell was picked up by the Las Vegas Raiders the fourth round and as the 135th pick overall. O’Connell signed a four-years rookie contract with the Raiders worth $4.3 million. In the first year of his contract, O’Connell will receive $750,000 as his base salary. The following year, the base salary will increase to $915,000 and to $1,030,000 in the next year.
In the final year of his rookie contract, O’Connell will receive $1,145,000 as his base salary. In addition to this, Aidan O’Connell has also received a signing bonus of $509,380. Lastly, the 25-year-old quarterback will receive a guranteed sum of $509,380 at the end of his rookie contract (via Overthecap).
Aidan O’Connell moves up on the pecking order ahead of Jimmy Garoppolo
In the meantime, Aidan O’Connell’s impressive performances for the Las Vegas Raiders has led to him moving up on the pecking order ahead of Jimmy Garoppolo. O’Connell, who has been playing as Garoppolo‘s backup in the Raiders team, will reportedly start over the 31-year-old veteran quarterback during the Week 9 clash against the New York Giants.
Another major move in Las Vegas: The #Raiders are expected to start rookie QB Aidan O’Connell this week and going forward, with Jimmy Garoppolo going to the bench. The promising O’Connell now gets his shot. pic.twitter.com/2lN5Aey5X8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2023
According to reports, the decision to start O’Connell ahead of Garoppolo has been made after the recent firing of head coach Josh McDaniels. In addition to McDaniels, the Raiders’ general manager Dave Ziegler and offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi were also sacked. Moreover, Garoppolo’s dismal performance during the Raiders’ 26-14 loss against the Lions might also be another reason.
Aidan O’Connell’s high school and college statistics
During Aidan O’Connell’s time at the Stevenson High School, he wasn’t a proficient football player. He received a scholarship from the Davenport University, a division II school. However, O’Connell put some incredible numbers in 2016, his only year as a started. In 2016, O’Connell registered 26 touchdowns and threw for 2,741 yards, a record which still stands to date.
Following his move to Purdue University in 2017, O’Connell remained inactive for the first two years. In 2019, he played six games, out of which he started three. He completed 103 of 164 passes, and registered eight touchdowns and four interceptions. Despite starting the 2020 season as a starter, a season-ending injury forced O’Connell to remain at the sidelines again.
In 2021, O’Connell was once again selected as the starter despite entering into the season as a backup player. At the end of the season, O’Connell completed 315 out of 440 passes for 3,712 yards. The Raiders star also registered 28 touchdowns alongside 11 interceptions.