The Las Vegas Raiders appear to have identified their starting quarterback for the 2024 season. Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew is set to join the team, as reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on March 11.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network provided additional information on the contract. Minshew will receive a two-year deal worth $25 million, with $15 million guaranteed.
This contract is favorable for Minshew, especially considering his performance last season when he started 13 games for the Colts in place of the injured Anthony Richardson. Almost guiding Indianapolis to the playoffs with a 7-6 record as a starter, Minshew demonstrated his capability. He threw 15 touchdowns with just nine interceptions, earning his first Pro Bowl selection in 2023.
Minshew has garnered popularity across the NFL due to his distinctive mullet and charismatic persona. Although primarily serving as a backup in recent seasons, he has consistently performed well whenever called upon.
With a career total of 59 touchdowns to just 24 interceptions, Minshew has proven his effectiveness on the field. Initially entering the NFL as a sixth-round pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, he later had a stint with the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, Minshew will have the opportunity to vie for a consistent starting role for the first time in his career.
Is Gardner Minshew expected to be a starter in 2024?
Allocating $25 million to a potential backup quarterback is a substantial investment. With the imminent release of Jimmy Garoppolo, the Raiders are not committing significant funds to the quarterback position. Even if they opt to draft a quarterback early, the financial commitment would likely be minimal.
Nonetheless, it appears that Gardner Minshew is poised to be the frontrunner for the starting quarterback role for the Raiders in 2024. While he may face competition from Aidan O’Connell, Minshew is expected to have the advantage. Notably, in the 2023 matchup between the Raiders and Colts, Minshew led Indianapolis to a 23-20 victory.
The biggest uncertainty lies in whether the Raiders opt to draft a quarterback early. If they do, a significant competition for the starting quarterback position will ensue for the upcoming season. However, if it comes down to Minshew and O’Connell, the former is likely to prevail, given his contract and experience.
Nevertheless, acquiring Minshew provides the Raiders with a competent quarterback who can secure victories if they fail to secure their franchise quarterback this offseason.
It’s uncertain whether the Las Vegas Raiders will still choose to draft a quarterback.
The acquisition of Gardner Minshew by the Raiders may indicate their uncertainty about securing a top quarterback in this year’s draft, although it’s still early to make definitive conclusions. If the Raiders do draft a quarterback, Minshew would serve as a strong mentor for them to learn from over the next few seasons.
This signing provides the Raiders with flexibility leading up to the draft. Minshew’s contract isn’t prohibitively large, so they aren’t compelled to start him. If a rookie quarterback performs better, the financial impact is manageable.
In the event that the Raiders fail to secure a quarterback, Minshew provides stability to run the offense for at least a season. It’s advantageous for the team to have options in this scenario. Both Aidan O’Connell and Minshew have demonstrated their ability to start games effectively, even though they may not produce exceptional statistics. Overall, while there may be better options available, the Raiders could certainly do worse.
Austin Boyd, who has covered the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Lakers for Heavy.com since 2019, provides insight into the team’s dynamics and ongoing developments.
