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The quarterback competition between Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew appears to be narrowing as the Las Vegas Raiders offseason progresses, with O’Connell holding a slight advantage. The organization offered Minshew a free agent contract worth $25 million, which is a lot of money to pay a backup.
The Raiders might experience some buyer’s remorse if he is unable to land the job. After selecting every team’s biggest free agent bust, Bleacher Report’s David Keyon decided on Minshew for Las Vegas.
In a commentary published on July 14, Kenyon stated, “On the one hand, it’s fair to acknowledge that Gardner Minshew II is probably a caretaker option at best.” “It is more likely that Las Vegas will target a top quarterback in the 2025 NFL selection than it is that the Raiders will believe Aidan O’Connell can be a long-term solution.”
Despite being a seasoned player, Minshew is unimpressive, particularly in the AFC West. Nevertheless, the previous season shown how crucial it is to have a strong backup quarterback. Last season, the Raiders rotated through three starters. Even if O’Connell is selected for the first game, Minshew might earn the start. Given the Raiders’ limited financial resources for quarterbacks, Minshew’s $12.5 million annual salary isn’t too much to pay.
Insider Talks About The QB Duel for The Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have one of the worst quarterback rooms in the NFL, even if O’Connell and Minshew are good players this year. Two of the league’s top quarterbacks are in the AFC West.
According to Tashan Reed of The Athletic, the Raiders are OK with their quarterbacks despite having few options this offseason.
In a post published on July 10, Reed stated, “The Raiders’ front office and coaching staff are confident that Minshew or O’Connell will separate themselves throughout training camp practices and preseason games.” “Whoever starts on opening day won’t always stay in that position for the duration of the regular season, as Jimmy Garoppolo’s benching from the previous season demonstrated. Naturally, it will depend on how well each player plays, but it wouldn’t be shocking if Minshew and O’Connell both play this season.
The quarterback’s job is made easier by the Raiders’ offense, which features several capable playmakers. The club may be good enough to qualify for the playoffs if the defense can finish in the top 10 once more in 2024.
Who Will Win the QB War?
O’Connell is currently gaining ground to start in Week 1. The quarterback is favored to start, according to speculations, and Davante Adams has endorsed him.
It’s still too early to say with certainty. Not even training camp has been completed by the Raiders yet. It’s possible that Minshew will look better after the pads are on. O’Connell is attractive since he is a young player with potential for growth. Minshew is a well-known product.
O’Connell is probably a better option than Minshew if he can build on his rookie campaign. Although neither is likely to be a long-term starter, they should be able to carry the Raiders through this season. They’ll probably reexamine the quarterback market in the upcoming offseason.
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