Source – Raiders add Gardner Minshew to compete for QB job

HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to terms with veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew on a two-year, $25 million free agent contract with $15 million guaranteed to compete with second-year quarterback Aidan O'Connell, a source confirmed to ESPN.

The addition of Minshew appears to take the Raiders out of discussions to acquire quarterback Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears, but not out of the running to trade up from No. 13 in the draft to select one of their top quarterback prospects. While coach Antonio Pierce has been vocal about his desire for a franchise QB — “You don't want to put a band-aid on that position,” Pierce said at the NFL scouting combine — he has been linked to LSU's Jayden Daniels, who he initially recruited. In Arizona.

Some hurt feelings may also have to be settled between Minshew and Raiders Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who called the QB a “little boy” in a New Year's Eve game at the Indianapolis Colts after Minshew didn't take Crosby's hand to help him after the play, Crosby said. .

Minshew parlayed a one-year deal worth just under $3 million into a strong season for Indianapolis, starting 13 games in place of injured player Anthony Richardson and throwing for 15 touchdowns and a career-high 3,305 yards.

His performance helped the Colts make a late playoff push, which ultimately failed, and allowed him to take advantage of an additional $2 million in incentives in exchange for playing 60% of the team's offensive snaps.

Mincio, 27, became a professional bowler for the first time as an AFC alternate.

The credibility Minshew provided as a backup was a key component for the Colts, who rallied around him and improved by five wins over the previous season. Minshew's intelligence, according to coach Shane Steichen, was crucial to his success because it enabled him to make good pre-snap decisions which increased the chances of a successful play.

Mincio's next move was always uncertain, but it was no secret that he was looking for an opportunity with greater playing potential. He lost a battle for the position last summer, and Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft, is expected to regain the starting job this fall after shoulder surgery.

Minshew started 37 games in his five seasons, including 20 with the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2019-2020 seasons, throwing for 9,937 yards with 59 touchdowns and 24 interceptions.

News of Minshew's agreement was first reported by NFL Network.

ESPN's Stephen Holder contributed to this report.