The rumblings around the NFL for the past several weeks were that the Raiders were going to explore the quarterback market in free agency. On the first day of free agency, the Raiders did, in fact, agree to a deal with a new quarterback.
Gardner Minshew signed a two-year deal with $15 million guaranteed. That is slightly above what a good backup quarterback gets paid. The expectation is that Minshew can be a bridge quarterback to whoever the Raiders select in this year’s draft. Or, he can be a one-year starter if the Raiders miss out entirely on this class.
Pro Football Focus liked the signing and the fit with the Raiders, giving both sides a “B” grade. Here is what they had to say about the move:
The Raiders get a respectable bridge starter in the fold but need to actually add the other end of the bridge, with the No. 13 pick currently burning a hole in their pocket. They’ll be battling the No. 11 overall pick Minnesota Vikings and No. 12 overall pick Denver Broncos to move up for a quarterback, it appears. Nonetheless, Minshew salvaged the Colts’ season and earned this contract despite his capped ceiling.
Minshew has shown that he can be a capable quarterback and should be an upgrade over Aidan O’Connell. He isn’t the long-term answer at QB, but he does make the Raiders better right now as they continue their search for their next franchise passer.
