Raiders' Minshew Familiar With Battling a Young QB
Quarterback Gardner Minshew has a new home with the Las Vegas Raiders, but as he's been so accustomed to in his career, he will have to earn his spot as a starter.
Raiders Coach Antonio Pierce has said Aidan O'Connell will be the starter until he loses it, which puts Minshew back in another position battle with a young quarterback. Just last training camp, Minshew competed for the Indianapolis Colts' starting job with O'Connnell's fellow 2023 draftee Anthony Richardson. Richardson would suffer a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5, allowing Minshew to step in at QB1 for the remainder of the season.
"It's crazy just the different ways you've got to get in, and obviously don't want it to ever happen like that, but at the end of the day, grateful for every opportunity you get in this league," Minshew said at his introductory press conference on Thursday. "They're not easy to come by. So man, was able to get in there have a little stretch of starting.
New Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (front right) was part of a quarterback competition with Anthony Richardson (front left) entering his 2023 season as an Indianapolis Colt.
© Kelly Wilkinson/Indy | 2023 Aug 1
"It was great experience for me I feel like just being that guy for that much time consecutively. And yeah, I look forward to just using that experience here."
Minshew has a great opportunity ahead of himself to get better when he goes up against O'Connell, who proved himself as a solid starter down the stretch last season.
"It's going to be competitive," Minshew said. "I think they're going to try to put together the best quarterback room they can. There's no promises being made, I don't want any guarantees, I just want a chance, and I'm excited for the chance I have here."
Minshew finished the 2023 season with 3,305 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, 100 rushing yards, and three rushing touchdowns in 17 games.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.
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