The Las Vegas Raiders came into the offseason with a significant need at quarterback and addressed by signing Gardner Minshew to a two-year, $25 million contract. Minshew hasn’t been a consistent starter in his career but will compete for the Raiders’ starting job.
However, the team may have overpaid for him. While Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus is a fan of Minshew, he named the signing as his least favorite one that Las Vegas has made this offseason.
“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,” Spielberger wrote in a March 21 column. “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. At the end of the day, we’re left wondering if the Raiders could have signed another comparable bridge option for less money.”
12.5 million a year is a steep price for a quarterback who could still be a backup. That said, quarterback is the most important position in the NFL and many teams had their seasons derailed last season due to quarterback injuries. Even if Minshew doesn’t start, he will have value to the team.
