The Jimmy G. era in Las Vegas might be over after six starts.
Following their massive organizational shakeup Wednesday — which ousted head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler — the Raiders will start rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell over Jimmy Garoppolo moving forward, starting with Sunday’s game against the Giants, interim head coach Antonio Pierce confirmed Wednesday.
“We just feel like he gives us the best chance,” Pierce, the former Giants linebacker, told reporters regarding O’Connell.
Garoppolo has not played well in his first season, but turning to O’Connell is a stunning move considering Garoppolo signed a three-year, $72.5 million contract this offseason.
He would have a $28.3 million dead-cap hit for 2024 if the Raiders moved on after just one season, according to spotrac.com.
The Raiders selected O’Connell in the fourth round of the 2023 draft, which means he’s not considered a blue-chip prospect or the heir apparent at the position.
However, with Raiders owner Mark Davis deciding he didn’t believe in McDaniels and Ziegler’s vision anymore, the franchise will see if the youngster can be a viable starter.
Garoppolo, 31, threw seven touchdowns against a league-leading nine interceptions in his six starts this season.
Monday’s 26-14 road loss to the Lions featured a season-low 126 passing yards on 10-of-21 passing, along with Garoppolo missing Davante Adams on two potential touchdowns.
Garoppolo only cleared 210 passing yards in one start, and McDaniels did not commit to Garoppolo after Monday’s game in what proved to be his final postgame press conference with the franchise.
O’Connell, a Purdue product, has one start and two games of experience under his belt.
He completed 24 of 39 passes for 238 yards with one interception in a 24-17 loss to the Chargers in Week 4 with Garoppolo sidelined.
The Raiders opted for journeyman Brian Hoyer over O’Connell in Week 7, but the rookie entered and threw his first touchdown pass in the 30-12 loss.
O’Connell has completed 34 of 52 passes for 313 yards and thrown one touchdown and two interceptions on the season.