The Las Vegas Raiders wanted to bring in competition at quarterback for last year's starter, Aidan O'Connell, who had an up-an-down rookie campaign but ultimately finished strong. Their solution was Gardner Minshew.
Las Vegas did also explore its options in the 2024 NFL Draft, but it wasn't within the range of the top signal-callers in the class, so general manager Tom Telesco opted to go in a different direction.
Minshew ended up winning the competition over O'Connell, although "winning" is too strong a word, as neither quarterback really separated themselves from the other. Chances are, Minshew was given the job because of the contract he signed.
Now, after four-plus games, the Raiders benched Minshew following a brutal game against the Denver Broncos in Week 5 and have handed the ball to O'Connell.
Gardner Minshew contract
According to Over the Cap, Minshew signed a two-year, $25 million deal that has $15 million fully guaranteed. For those wondering, yes, the Raiders will have dead money on the books if they cut him in 2025. Minshew has a base salary of $11.8 million in 2025, $3.1 million of which is guaranteed.
If it's a pre-June 1 cut, Minshew will cost $7.6 million in dead cap in 2025 but also nets a savings of $6.3 million. That approach will also leave Las Vegas with dead money in Minshew's two void years ($3 million in 2026, $1.5 million in 2027).
If cut with a post-June 1 designation, there's $4.6 million in dead money and a $9.3 million savings, and Las Vegas will be on the hook for $1.5 million in dead money in 2026 and 2027.
So, while the Raiders won't be on the hook for a lot of money if they cut Minshew next offseason, it won't be completely painless, either.
