The starting quarterback position is up for grabs for the Las Vegas Raiders, who have chosen not to make any major changes to their starting lineup this offseason. Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell are the two contenders. Although it seems like there will just be one quarterback competing for the Raiders, there may be an early favorite.
Antonio Pierce, the head coach, expressed his admiration for O’Connell’s offseason efforts in glowing terms.
“What Aidan has done over the past four games and in the off-season—remodeling his physique, enhancing his work ethic, showing up every day, and tuning out the outside world— Pierce stated, “I’m excited,” at his press conference on May 10.
Pierce also disclosed that during offseason practices, O’Connell will receive the first team reps.
Regarding the quarterback competition, Pierce stated, “I think it’s going to be a process; we’re going to stick to the process.” However, as I’ve previously stated, Aidan has the right to go forth and take the first shot.
Although O’Connell has impressed the head coach enough to receive the first look as the starter, this does not always mean that he is the favorite to start.
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While O’Connell has an advantage because he has been with the Raiders for a year, Minshew has more experience. During his five seasons in the NFL, he has started 37 games.
The Raiders have an open mind going into the quarterback competition, according to general manager Tom Telesco.
On the May 9 edition of “NFL Total Access,” Telesco stated, “That’s the plan is to have both those guys really compete through the offseason program, but more so in training camp, and we’ll see how it plays out.” “I felt Aidan played really well football late in the season and did a great job last year in an extremely tough circumstance with a new coordinator and head coach. I’ve had a chance to spend a little more time with him in the building, and it’s wonderful to see the quarterback intangibles that come with the job—qualities that are essential for a franchise quarterback.
“And with Gardner, you know, Gardner had a good season with the Colts last year. Given that he made the Pro Bowl, he clearly had a successful season. We shall see how it unfolds with both of those people vying for the position because he has always performed well when given the chance.
Who Will Be the Las Vegas Raiders’ Opening QB?
The Raiders are aware of what to expect from Minshew. He has demonstrated that he is a capable starter. He started 13 games in the previous campaign, throwing for 15 touchdowns against just 9 interceptions. As a starter, he also finished 7–6.
Given that he is only beginning his second season, O’Connell offers a little bit more potential. He finished 5-5 with 12 touchdowns to 7 interceptions in two starts. His figures closely mirrored Minshew’s.
O’Connell may have a strong chance of being selected as the starting quarterback if he has made some progress. The Raiders are paying Minshew $25 million over the course of two seasons, which presents an issue for him. The fact that the team is paying Minshew a respectable sum of money can sway them in favor of starting him if the competition is fierce.
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