With a major quarterbacking need heading into the offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders filled it by inking Gardner Minshew to a two-year, $25 million contract.
Although Minshew hasn’t been a reliable starter in his career, he will go up against the Raiders for the starting spot.
The team could have paid too much for him, too. Despite being a fan of Minshew, Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus listed the deal as the least desirable move 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 add value to the team.
