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
The #Raiders informed QB Gardner Minshew they’ll release him when the new league year begins next Wednesday, per sources.
Minshew has 46 career starts and is still only 28 years old. An experienced option available. pic.twitter.com/m9xZLzeK7l
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 5, 2025
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 passing 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?
The #Raiders will release QB Gardner Minshew at the start of the league new year, per source. @TomPelissero was the first to report.
Las Vegas' remaining QBs are Aidan O'Connell and Carter Bradley.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) March 5, 2025
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.
