Las Vegas Raiders add Gardner Minshew to the QB competition

Former Washington State star quarterback Gardner Minshew has signed a two-year free-agent contract with the Raiders for $25 million. With $15 million guaranteed, Minshew will be competing against second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell for the starting job.

Minshew played for the Cougars in 2018 after starting his collegiate career at a junior college and then East Carolina.

In his singular year with the Cougs, Minshew recorded 4,779 passing yards and 38 touchdowns through the air. He also ran for 119 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. 

Minshew also threw nine interceptions during his time in Pullman and wasn’t drafted until the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Since being drafted by Jacksonville, Minshew played two years with the Jaguars. He relocated to Philadelphia to spend two years with the Eagles and was most recently the Indianapolis Colts’ starting quarterback.

In 2023, Minshew had 3,305 passing yards for 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He was sacked 34 times and ran for 100 yards with just three rushing touchdowns.

Throughout his NFL career, the former Cougar has amassed 9,937 passing and 621 rushing yards. Minshew has 64 total touchdowns as well as 24 interceptions and has been sacked 105 times.

Minshew's season with the Washington State Cougars was under former head coach Mike Leach.

Minshew’s main competition, O’Connell, played in 11 games during the 2023 season. He had 13 total touchdowns alongside seven interceptions and a fumble. In O’Connell’s first year, he earned 2,218 passing and 11 rushing yards.

O’Connell played college ball at Purdue and was drafted 135th overall in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

The 2024 NFL Training Camp is set to kickoff on July 31 as teams return to their practice facilities.

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