With a glaring need at quarterback, the Raiders were clearly unwilling to wait until the draft and hope they could either trade up to get their guy or have one fall to them at 13. They have gone out and signed one of the few free agent quarterbacks out there, agreeing to terms with Gardner Minshew on a two-year deal.
Sources: The #Raiders have agreed to terms with QB Gardner Minshew on a 2-year deal. He'll compete with QB Aidan O'Connell.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2024
The former sixth round pick out of Washington State has started 37 games with a career record of 15-22. He is coming off a winning season with a 7-6 record for the Colts, nearly leading them to the playoffs and getting a nod for the Pro Bowl as an alternate.
The deal is reportedly for a total of $25 million with $15 million guaranteed and $12.5 million in his first season. Which is a solid deal for both sides.
Most importantly it gives the Raiders a viable option to compete as a starter and leaves open the possibility that they draft a quarterback as well.
Currently the Raiders sit at 13 overall. The draft’s to three QBs are expected to go 1-2-3 and prying the picks away from the Bears, Commanders, and Patriots — all of whom have a glaring need at QB — will be difficult and potentially impossible.
That leaves them with one of the next tier guys — Michigan’s JJ McCarthy, Oregon’s Bo Nix, and Washington’s Michael Penix. None of whom are considered day one starters like the top three and one or more of whom may be considered a reach at 13.
This draft was considered QB or bust for the Raiders, which is a tough spot to be in when you have a pick well outside the top ten. Minshew’s arrival takes some pressure off in that regard. And that’s a valuable thing.
I would still expect the Raiders to try and get one of the top six QBs in this draft. But if they can’t jump up to get one of the top three, getting one of the next three to compete with a veteran with plenty of starting experience doesn’t seem like as much of a risk as hoping for the best at 13 and just handing him whoever they land the keys.