HENDERSON, Nev. — Gardner Minshew has been named the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders as the team prepares to kick off the season, head coach Antonio Pierce confirmed on Sunday.
Minshew joined the Raiders as a free agent this offseason and faced competition from Aidan O’Connell for the position. “A lot of things went into it,” Pierce explained. “It wasn’t just based off of one performance. We believe that Gardner gives us the best chance to start strong, and that’s the direction we’re taking. He has our full support, as does the team and the organization.”
Last season, Minshew, playing for the Colts, outperformed O’Connell, who played for the Raiders. While their completion percentages were identical at 62%, Minshew boasted a Total QBR of 59.7 compared to O’Connell’s 40.5.
The Raiders will begin the 2024 season against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1. Pierce highlighted Minshew’s experience as a significant factor in the decision. Minshew, entering his sixth NFL season, demonstrated effective operation and competitive performance during both practices and games.
Minshew, 28, signed a two-year, $25 million contract with the Raiders in March, which includes $15 million in guaranteed money. In two preseason outings, he passed for 212 yards on 16-of-33 attempts with one touchdown and also rushed for 12 yards on two carries.
O’Connell completed 21-of-29 passes for 172 yards with a touchdown and an interception, which was returned for a touchdown, during the preseason. After a recent 27-12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Minshew expressed optimism regarding the season ahead, noting the hard work both he and O’Connell put into their competition.
Pierce mentioned that the decision to choose Minshew was made after discussions with general manager Tom Telesco and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. “His personality, energy, and leadership are infectious,” Pierce said of Minshew, while also pointing out areas for improvement, such as footwork in the pocket and maintaining the offensive script.
While O’Connell had a strong finish to last season, throwing eight touchdown passes without an interception in the final four games, Pierce views both quarterbacks as professionals who have positively influenced each other throughout the competition. He noted O’Connell’s potential to become a starter in the league.
This will mark Minshew’s sixth consecutive season starting at least one game, with his only other Week 1 start occurring in 2020 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He will make his debut for the Raiders as he continues his trend of starting for different franchises, a feat shared with other quarterbacks like Andy Dalton and Baker Mayfield.