Raiders Reveal Pivotal Aidan O’Connell Update Amid Geno Smith’s Struggles
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Las Vegas Raiders QB Aidan O'Connell.
The Las Vegas Raiders finally got back into the win column in Week 6 with a 20-10 win over the Tennessee Titans. However, the win was more thanks to a defense that forced two turnovers and held the Titans to 10 points than had to due with quarterback Geno Smith.
The Raiders traded for Smith this offseason, but he hasn’t been living up to the contract they gave him. With another interception thrown against the Titans, Smith became the first quarterback to throw 10 interceptions in the first six games of the season since 2020.
The Raiders traded for Kenny Pickett before the season, but may not be keen on playing him. Aidan O’Connell started seven games for the team last season and was set to be Smith’s backup before a fractured wrist led to him being placed on Injured Reserve.
Fortunately for O’Connell and the Raiders, he could be nearing a return. Head coach Pete Carroll revealed that the quarterback has begun to throw the ball again, and also gave an update on injured defensive back Lonnie Johnson Jr.
“Both those guys are doing great in their rehab. … Aidan’s throwing the ball, Lonnie’s on the field running,” Carroll said of O’Connell and Johnson on Monday. “It’s just a matter of this week, next kind of thing, so we’re in good shape with those guys.”
Carroll noted that the Raiders‘ upcoming bye week could give the two the chance to return by Week 9, but that remains to be seen.
Will O’Connell Take Over as Backup QB When He Returns?
O’Connell has played well as the starter for the Raiders at times, but he had a rough preseason before he got hurt. It was looking like he could’ve gotten traded or cut.
Despite the fact that the Raiders knew he’d have a chance to come back during the season, they still traded a fifth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for Pickett. Once he returns, the team might have a choice to make.
O’Connell should know the personnel and the offense better than Pickett, but he also has limited upside. Pickett’s a former first-round pick and has been practicing with the team. It’s hard to imagine O’Connell will supplant him as the backup quarterback immediately, but he could have a chance to move up the depth chart as the season goes on.
Smith Talks Titans Win
A big issue facing Smith is that he hasn’t had a single good game for the Raiders yet. The only game he didn’t throw an interception in was the 41-24 loss to the Washington Commanders.
Against the Titans, Smith was just OK and had another interception. He admitted that he needs to be better.
“It wasn’t as clean as I would like, obviously, I can’t throw an interception in that situation,” Smith said after Sunday’s win. “I was trying to dirt the ball. I told Coach [Pete Carroll] I need to go jump in the lake, or ocean or something. It’s just a lot of bad luck stuff happening to me, but I’m in control of that.
“When our defense plays the way that they play today, when Devin [White] goes out there makes the plays that he made, Maxx [Crosby] is out there, disrupting the game all game long. Those guys flying around giving us the energy, the crowd getting involved, and then us, playing clean for the most part.”
Josh Allen Turns Down $1 Million Sponsorship, Takes Stand for Farmers’ Rights
BUFFALO, NY — Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is making headlines for reasons beyond football. The star quarterback recently declined a $1 million sponsorship offer from one of Alabama’s largest agricultural corporations, citing ethical concerns over the treatment of local farmers. His decision, driven by principles over profit, has quickly gone viral, earning Allen widespread admiration from fans, fellow athletes, and industry insiders alike.
In a public statement, Allen said, “I may not be from Alabama, but I won’t take money from companies that profit off the people who feed this nation.” Sources indicate that Allen turned down the lucrative deal after learning of allegations that the corporation in question had underpaid farmworkers and imposed predatory contracts on small growers. For Allen, it was not just about the money—it was about aligning his personal values with the companies he chooses to represent.
"I’ve met farmers who are barely surviving season after season," Allen shared. "They deserve respect — not exploitation." These words have resonated far beyond sports circles, sparking conversations about corporate responsibility, fair labor practices, and the power of athletes to drive social change. In an era when sponsorship deals often dominate the financial landscape of professional athletes, Allen’s decision is a rare example of putting ethics above earnings.
Analysts note that while Allen could have significantly increased his personal income with the deal, his refusal sends a clear message about the kind of role model he aims to be.
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The reaction from the public has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media platforms are abuzz with praise, with many users highlighting Allen as “a man of integrity who values people over profit.”
This move also aligns with a broader trend in sports, where athletes increasingly use their platforms to champion social, ethical, and community causes. From fair labor practices to environmental concerns, Allen is among a growing group of players leveraging their influence to shine a light on issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Looking ahead, Allen’s decision is likely to inspire other athletes and young fans to consider the impact of their choices beyond the scoreboard. For the Bills quarterback, it’s not about the endorsement money—it’s about making a meaningful difference.
As the NFL season continues, Allen’s leadership off the field is becoming just as notable as his performance on it. His stance on the Alabama agricultural sponsorship may be remembered as one of the defining moments of his career, signaling that true leadership in sports extends far beyond the game itself.
