Former Colts Quarterback Gardner Minshew Signs with Raiders

Former Indianapolis Colts backup quarterback Gardner Minshew will wear a new uniform in 2024.

NFL Insider Ian Rapoport broke the news that Indianapolis Colts backup QB Gardner Minshew will join the Las Vegas Raiders 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

Rapoport posted on X: 

"Sources: The #Raiders have agreed to terms with QB Gardner Minshew on a 2-year deal. He'll compete with QB Aidan O'Connell."

Later, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero provided an update on the compensation Minshew will receive from Las Vegas. 

Compensation update: The #Raiders are signing QB Gardner Minshew to a two-year, $25 million deal that includes $15M fully guaranteed, per sources.

Strong money for their potential 2024 starting QB. pic.twitter.com/Jsl9ycNCK4

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2024

Pelissero posted on X: 

"Compensation update: The #Raiders are signing QB Gardner Minshew to a two-year, $25 million deal that includes $15M fully guaranteed, per sources. Strong money for their potential 2024 starting QB."

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This isn't a surprise since Minshew played himself into a Pro Bowl nomination in the 2023 campaign with Shane Steichen's Colts. Along with taking over for the injured Anthony Richardson after week five against the Tennessee Titans, Minshew commanded the offense better than expected and almost took out C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans in week 18 for a playoff spot and AFC South divisional title. 

Minshew finished his lone year in Indianapolis with 305/490 pass completions (62.2 %) for 3,305 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He also used his legs to grab three more scores on the ground, totaling his scrimmage touchdowns at 18. While it would be nice to retain the veteran to be Richardson's backup, Minshew's price tag was likely too much for the Colts to pay him. 

Now, with Minshew on tap to compete with Aidan O'Connell in Las Vegas, who will Indianapolis sign as a backup field general? It could be a player like Tyrod Taylor or Tyler Huntley. Both are high-level backups but fit Richardson's skills better. This means that Steichen's offense wouldn't need to change as much with a quarterback who is more of the mobile/athletic variety.

We'll have to see how Indianapolis wants to address the void left by the veteran Minshew. 

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