The NFL franchise tag window came and went with few surprises. As expected, the Raiders didn’t use the franchise tag on any of their free agents, but that doesn’t mean the front office isn’t still actively making roster moves.
With a week to go until NFL free agency kicks off on March 12, the Raiders have moved on from a Pro Bowl player they’ve recently acquired.
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Las Vegas Raiders release Gardner Minshew, foreshadowing another QB move
The worst-kept secret is that the Las Vegas Raiders will be getting a new quarterback this offseason. The question is, which one will they choose?
After turning to Aidan O’Connell, Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder last season, the Raiders have already made the decision to move on from two of their three starting quarterbacks from 2025. Ridder is a restricted free agent, but the Raiders have already informed him that he won’t be returning to Las Vegas next season.
Now, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Raiders have let Minshew know that he’ll be released too. He’ll be allowed to sign with any team he wishes, starting next Wednesday when the new league year begins.
Minshew arrived in Vegas after his lone Pro Bowl season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2023, signing a two-year, $25 million contract with the Raiders in free agency. He led them to a 2-7 record while passing for 2,013 yards with nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
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In a season where the Raiders had a strong feeling that they wouldn’t be able to land one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft, Las Vegas turned to Minshew instead. It didn’t lead to the results they hoped for, and now it’s time to try a different option as Pete Carroll takes over.
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