Quarterback has been the biggest discussion in training camp for the Las Vegas Raiders as the team decides on whether Aidan O’Connell or Gardner Minshew will be the team’s starter this season. But as camp goes on, the franchise wanted another face in the QB room, and they turned to a familiar one.
The Raiders announced that they have signed veteran quarterback Nathan Peterman, who previously spent two seasons with the franchise in 2020 and 2021, via Raiders News Wire’s own Ryan Ward:
#Raiders announce they’ve signed QB Nathan Peterman.
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardNFL) August 13, 2024
In a corresponding move, the Raiders also announced the release of wide receiver Keelan Doss via Ward:
In a corresponding move along with signing QB Nathan Peterman, the #Raiders waived/injured WR Keelan Doss, who will revert to the Reserve/Injured list should he clear waivers.
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardNFL) August 13, 2024
This move gives the Raiders five quarterbacks on the roster for the time being. Anthony Brown has served as the team’s third quarterback behind O’Connell and Minshew with the team also having undrafted rookie Carter Bradley. But Peterman brings a familiarity not only with the Raiders, but also the new offense.
Peterman has spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Bears and new Raiders offensive coordinator Luke Getsy so he is very familiar with this offense and how it should operate. So not only are the Raiders bringing in a veteran with five career starts under his belt, but also someone who can help the rest of the squad with the offense.
The likelihood of Peterman sticking around is very slim, but he is someone the coaches can plug in during practices and preseason games to ensure the offense runs smoothly and give them a better chance to evaluate the other players on the roster under more ideal circumstances.
Raiders hope to name starting quarterback after second preseason game
While Peterman will provide some stability behind them, the Raiders’ starting quarterback will still come down to Aidan O’Connell or Gardner Minshew. Head coach Antonio Pierce has been tight-lipped on who may be ahead in the competition, even after the first preseason game, but things should be more clear soon.
Pierce said that the team expects to name its starter following its second preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys this Saturday. This will give the team enough time to fully support who they feel is the right man for the job and make sure he is ready once the regular season begins.
Both players were solid in the preseason opener with O’Connell completing 7-of-9 passes for 76 yards while Minshew completed 6-of-12 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown in the 24-23 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
