NFL

Raiders To Release QB Gardner Minshew At The Start Of Free Agency

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After one season, the Las Vegas Raiders are parting ways with quarterback Gardner Minshew.

Raiders To Release Gardner Minshew

Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Raiders informed Minshew that they’ll release him on March 12 when the new league year and free agency begin.

Minshew and the Raiders agreed to a two-year, $25 million contract last offseason, with $15 million guaranteed.

Minshew had $3.16 million in guaranteed money for 2025.

Cutting Minshew will result in $7.66 million in dead money. However, it saves Las Vegas $6.34 million on the cap.

Minshew beat out Aidan O’Connell to win the starting job in 2024. However, Minshew struggled as the Raiders’ starter, as the team went 2-7 with the veteran under center.

Minshew was benched for O’Connell after Week 5 but returned in Week 8. Minshew suffered a season-ending broken collarbone in Week 11.

Minshew’s 2024 campaign ended with 2,013 ing yards, nine touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

Minshew, 28, should have a market as a backup quarterback this offseason.

What Will The Raiders Do At Quarterback?

With Minshew leaving Las Vegas, O’Connell and Carter Bradley are the only two quarterbacks on the Raiders’ roster.

Considering the Raiders finished 4-13 in 2024, it’s safe to assume O’Connell or Bradley will not be the Week 1 starter in 2025.

First-year general manager and new head coach Pete Carroll will now use this offseason to search for their next quarterback.

The Raiders were reportedly interested in trading for Matthew Stafford before the quarterback returned to the Rams.

Now, the Raiders must pivot and explore other options at quarterback.

Sam Darnold could be a possibility if he does not re-sign with the Minnesota Vikings. The Raiders might prefer cheaper options like Justin Fields or Russell Wilson.

Las Vegas also holds the No. 6 pick in the draft. If Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders falls to six, he will be an enticing option. Las Vegas could also trade up into the top 2 to take their quarterback of the future.

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Dan Girolamo
Sports Editor

Dan is a multifaceted content creator who specializes in sports, pop culture, and entertainment. His entertainment work has been featured on Digital Trends, where he has interviewed Brendan Fraser, Jamie Lee Curtis, Alison Brie, Adam DeVine, Sadie Sink, Chris O'Dowd, Machine Gun Kelly, and Frank Grillo. Dan's entertainment work has also been featured on Coming Soon, Hidden Remote, and WatchMojo. Dan's other ion in life revolves around sports, graduating from Marist College with a degree in Sports Communication and Journalism. From columns about the latest in New York sports to gambling predictions, Dan continues to find success in written and broadcast journalism. Previous written work can be found at Unafraid Show, while broadcast clips can be seen on WAVE.tv and CBS Sports.

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Author photo
Dan Girolamo Sports Editor

Dan is a multifaceted content creator who specializes in sports, pop culture, and entertainment. His entertainment work has been featured on Digital Trends, where he has interviewed Brendan Fraser, Jamie Lee Curtis, Alison Brie, Adam DeVine, Sadie Sink, Chris O'Dowd, Machine Gun Kelly, and Frank Grillo. Dan's entertainment work has also been featured on Coming Soon, Hidden Remote, and WatchMojo. Dan's other ion in life revolves around sports, graduating from Marist College with a degree in Sports Communication and Journalism. From columns about the latest in New York sports to gambling predictions, Dan continues to find success in written and broadcast journalism. Previous written work can be found at Unafraid Show, while broadcast clips can be seen on WAVE.tv and CBS Sports.

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