It seems that Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce is a big fan of one particular player the team signed in free agency this year.
This offseason the Raiders have been active in trying to improve their roster. While much of the speculation in recent weeks has been about what they might do in the 2024 NFL Draft, they made a few notable signings in free agency this month.
- Gardner Minshew stats (2023): 7-6 record, 3,305 yards, 15 TD, 9 INT, 84.9 passer rating
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The most noteworthy move was signing talented Miami Dolphins veteran Christian Wilkins to a massive four year, $115 million deal. However, another signing that drew a lot of attention was luring veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew to Las Vegas for the next two seasons.
Minshew is very competent NFL QB who nearly took the Indianapolis Colts to the playoffs filling in for Anthony Richardson after he suffered a season-ending injury. The signing was a good move for the team and gives the roster another option at quarterback to compete with incumbent starter Aidan O’Connell in training camp.
Las Vegas Raiders head coach loves Gardner Minshew’s personality
While most around the league liked the move for Las Vegas, it looks like head coach Antonio Pierce loved the addition.
“One thing about Gardner that you see throughout his career, he finds a way, right? So, that’s going to make our room better,” Pierce told the team’s website this week. “He’s been through a lot of adversity; you want that experience as well in there. So, to me, it’s a good fit, and it’s a culture fit. Wild boy right there. I like the personality.”
- Gardner Minshew contract: Two years, $25 million
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Minshew earned Pro Bowl honors (as a replacement) this past season for the Colts. He also had standout moments for the Eagles during five appearances for the team in their run to the Super Bowl in 2022. He is only 27 years old and is a talented game manager with upside.