Report: Ex-Colts QB Gardner Minshew joining Raiders
Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew has agreed to join the Las Vegas Raiders, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report.
The deal is for two years and $25 million with $15 million guaranteed, per the report. Minshew's expected to compete with Aidan O'Connell for the starting job next season.
Minshew, 27, is coming off a Pro Bowl season with the Colts. He replaced injured rookie starter Anthony Richardson early in the season and led the Colts to a 7-6 record in 13 starts. Minshew completed 62.2% of his passes for 3,305 yards with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions as the Colts finished 9-8 with their backup quarterback playing most of the season.
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The campaign was the latest success for Minshew, who's been among the league's strongest backups and spot starters since joining the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019. Now he'll have a chance to compete for a starting job in Las Vegas.
Who will start in Las Vegas next season?
The Raiders' job is open after they moved away from Jimmy Garoppolo last season. O'Connell started 10 games as a rookie, completing 62.1% of his passes for 2,218 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
The Raiders are expected to release Garoppolo after a reported violation of the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy on the heels of a disappointing first and only season in Las Vegas. Garoppolo threw seven touchdowns and nine interceptions in seven appearances last season.
What will Colts do at backup QB?
Minshew's signing leaves the Colts without an experienced backup for Richardson, a hole they'll surely look to fill via free agency or the trade market. Richardson is expected to return as Indianapolis' starter after a shoulder injury required surgery and cost him all but four games of his rookie season.
The 2023 first-round pick will return to the lineup with big expectations and hopes that his physical playing style doesn't lead to further injury. Acquiring a reliable backup will be a priority in Indianapolis.
