Reports from the NFL Network revealed that Gardner Minshew has been notified of his impending release by the Las Vegas Raiders, effective at the onset of the upcoming league year. Minshew, aged 28, had inked a two-year deal last offseason and showcased his skills by starting nine out of the 10 games he appeared in during the past season. Within these outings, he successfully completed 66.3% of his passes, amassing a total of 2,013 yards, with nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions, until his season was cut short due to a broken collarbone.
Under Minshew’s existing contract with Las Vegas, there remains $3.16 million in fully guaranteed funds for the duration of the two-year, $25 million agreement he had signed back in March. By parting ways with Minshew, the Raiders are set to save a substantial $6.34 million against their salary cap.
Throughout the previous season, the Raiders utilized both Minshew and second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell. It is anticipated that the newly appointed head coach, Pete Carroll, will be searching for an experienced quarterback through free agency, especially given the active engagement with quarterbacks from the 2025 draft class during the NFL Scouting Combine.
Minshew’s career statistics include completing 63.3% of his passes for 11,950 yards, registering 68 touchdowns and 34 interceptions across 59 games, with 46 of those being starts, spanning stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, and now the Raiders. Originally drafted by the Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Minshew played a significant role for the Colts during the 2023 season in the absence of Anthony Richardson, who suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Following his performance, Minshew transitioned to the Raiders in free agency, starting nine games and contributing 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions to the team’s tally.
