Gardner Minshew’s run in Las Vegas lasted just one season.
The Raiders informed the veteran quarterback that they’ll release him when the new league year begins on March 12, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Wednesday, per sources informed of the situation.
The previous Vegas administration inked Minshew to a two-year, $25 million contract last offseason with $15 million guaranteed. The pact had $3.16 million in guaranteed money in 2025. Releasing Minshew saves the Raiders $6.34 million on the cap with $7.66 million in dead money.
It comes as little surprise that the new team brass, led by minority owner Tom Brady, general manager John Spytek, head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, would move on from Minshew. The Raiders attempted to woo Matthew Stafford, a clear indicator that the club would like to revamp the quarterback room completely.
Minshew signed as a bridge quarterback last offseason, but when the Raiders struck out at drafting a rookie signal-caller, he became the lead man. He won the starting quarterback gig to open the season. However, he was benched after five starts in favor of Aidan O'Connell. Minshew returned to the starting lineup in Week 8 after O’Connell got injured and his run lasted four more starts before he suffered a season-ending collarbone injury.
Vegas went 2-7 with Minshew under center.
A sixth-round pick by Jacksonville in 2019, the gunslinger has started at least two tilts every year of his six-season career. He’s proven to be able to run an offense and, at times, create big plays. However, turnovers were an issue last season in Vegas, where he had a 9:10 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
With many teams needing quarterbacks and a small pool of quality passers, Minshew should find a home. He’s best suited as an in-a-pinch backup who can relieve an injured starter and keep the offense afloat for a few weeks.
After Minshew’s release and the decision not to tender restricted free agent Desmond Ridder, the Raiders currently have O’Connell as the only experienced quarterback on the roster. Vegas will be in the market for both a veteran signal-caller and a rookie this offseason.