One of the biggest questions for the Las Vegas Raiders heading into the NFL offseason surrounded the quarterback position and the team’s intentions moving forward. Although Aidan O’Connell played reasonably well considering the situation he was thrust into, the Raiders want to win and win now, so an upgrade is needed.
That said, the team has been rumored to be considering several different options, including trading up in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft to bring in Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels or another talented rookie like J.J. McCarthy from the University of Michigan. Trading for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is another option the team was rumored to explore.
However, it appears the team will be going the veteran route for the time being, with the Raiders reportedly agreeing to terms with Pro Bowler Gardner Minshew on a two-year deal, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
The veteran quarterback is signing a two-year, $25 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Monday. Minshew’s new contract includes $15 million in fully guaranteed money, per Pelissero.
Although Minshew isn’t exactly a game-changer for the Raiders, as he will be expected to replace Jimmy Garoppolo when he’s ultimately released, he still brings a certain amount of stability to the position. Minshew is coming off one of his best seasons on the professional level, as he led the Colts to a 7-6 record after taking over as the starter due to injuries.
In the 17 games he did play for the Colts in 2023, Minshew threw for a career-high 3,305 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions while also rushing for 100 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
These stats won’t blow anyone away, but they were enough to earn him his first Pro Bowl nod while also impressing the Raiders brass enough to sign him during this free-agency period.
The real question now will be what are the team’s intentions heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, as there’s been a lot of speculation about the team trading up for a quarterback. Las Vegas could try to go that route or stick with Minshew for at least a year while having O’Connell learn behind the Pro Bowler for a season.
Raiders Sign DT Christian Wilkins to Lucrative Long-Term Deal
The Raiders’ biggest splash in free agency thus far has been landing former Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins on a long-term deal. This drastically improves an already talented defensive line led by star defensive end Maxx Crosby.
It’ll be interesting to see what other moves new general manager Tom Telesco may have as free agency continues.
