The Las Vegas Raiders spent fairly aggressively last offseason to reload their roster with the hopes of competing for a playoff spot. After falling well short of expectations and overhauling the top of the organization, another change could be imminent.
Las Vegas kicked off its offseason by firing head coach Antonio Pierce and days later parting ways with general manager Tom Telesco a year after hiring him. In the weeks since, Tom Brady and Mark Davis hired Pete Carroll as the new Raiders coach with John Spytek taking over as general manager.
Related: Insider predicts big Las Vegas Raiders offseason move with Maxx Crosby
It’s already been an eventful offseason for the team with more changes expected. While the team is already in a relatively good position cap-wise, another significant move would open up even more room and provide a path to a much-needed change on the field.
Tashan Reed of The Athletic wrote that he expects the Raiders to release quarterback Gardner Minshew this offseason, less than a year after signing him to a lucrative two-year contract.
Related: One offseason move all 32 teams should make, including Las Vegas Raiders
- Gardner Minshew stats (ESPN): 2,013 passing yards, 9-10 TD-INT, 66.3% completion rate, 81.0 QB rating, 29 sacks taken in 10 games
Early in NFL free agency 2024, Las Vegas agreed to a two-year deal with Minshew worth $25 million. He received a $6 million signing bonus with $15 million guaranteed at signing. He’s set to carry a $13.82 million cap hit in 2025, but Las Vegas can free up $3 million by cutting him.
Minshew proved ineffective as the Raiders starting quarterback, finishing with double-digit interceptions and a career-worst QB rating and ESPN QBR (38.1). Once he’s released, the 28-year-old quarterback will likely have to settle for a backup job in 2025 with no real path toward competing for a starting spot in training camp.
Related: One NFL free agent every team should pursue, includes Las Vegas Raiders