Former Pro Bowl quarterback Gardner Minshew is a potential cut candidate for the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason. According to a report, the Raiders may be on the verge of releasing Minshew since the team is rebuilding. Originally selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Washington State product had two promising seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars before the team took another route to select Trevor Lawrence in the draft. Minshew didn’t see much playing time in Philadelphia until he took over as the temporary signal-caller for the Colts.
He was a reliable quarterback setting high records of 3,305 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions but fell short of helping the Colts appear in the postseason at 9-8. However, Minshew got his first Pro Bowl nod which was enough for the Raiders to express interest and sign him to a two-year deal. Despite that, his tenure could come to an end since Las Vegas will likely select a new quarterback in the first round in two months. No matter who will become the quarterback, the Raiders are building a new regime with new head coach Pete Carroll.
Minshew won’t earn a starting role for a new team anymore. However, he’s a capable backup for any of these five teams.
Former Pro Bowler Gardner Minshew a Potential Cut Candidate for Salvaging Raiders – 5 Suitors Could Emerge
Next Possible Fits
New Orleans Saints
The quarterback situation with the Saints looks bleak as starter Derek Carr does not desire to take a pay cut to help the team. General Manager Mickey Loomis wants Carr back but he said it’s up to the next head coach Kellen Moore. The team could likely release Carr in favor of emerging Spencer Rattler for their future after impressing last season. However, they still need a capable backup and Minshew has the mindset to mentor Rattler.
Kansas City Chiefs
While nobody will take superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes‘ job anytime soon, the team needs a replacement for backup Carson Wentz. He had a disastrous Week 18 which could turn the Chiefs the other way to find a capable signal-caller to assist Mahomes. Minshew could take on the role and would be a significant upgrade.
Baltimore Ravens
The same can be said about back-to-back MVP winner Lamar Jackson. Josh Johnson is aging and no one should expect him to return since he doesn’t even have the strength to be a third-string starter since he’s failed to bring in one win when he did have the chance. After losing Tyler Huntley, the team should sign Minshew if he becomes available to keep the Ravens in the winning column.
Dallas Cowboys
As of this posting, there has been no word the team will move on from quarterback Dak Prescott despite suffering a season-ending injury just after signing a long-term deal. No one should expect Trey Lance back as the Cowboys didn’t involve him much as the backup. They’ve been reliant on Cooper Rush and his future is bleak too. Minshew is an upgrade no matter if he takes over as the future starter or a reliable backup for the team.
Washington Commanders
Backup free agent quarterback Marcus Mariota should have a market so that means the Commanders will be on the hunt for backup help. Second-year Jayden Daniels has a promising arm and offense that will keep him as the starter as long as he stays healthy. Perhaps, they could benefit from adding Minshew to continue mentoring Daniels.
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