Gardner Minshew II

Raiders GM Tom Telesco said Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell are expected to compete for the starting job in training camp.

This was the presumed next step after the Raiders opted not to select a quarterback in this year’s draft. Playing in a division that includes Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, it goes without saying that the combination of Minshew/O’Connell is far from ideal, but both quarterbacks were solid in 2023, with Minshew nearly leading the Colts to a playoff berth. In 17 games, Minshew threw for 3305-15-9 last season while leading his team to a 7-6 record over 13 starts. O’Connell became the Raiders full-time starter in Week 9 and led the team to a 5-4 record over that span while throwing for 1905-11-5 in those nine games. Neither quarterback is built for shootouts vs. high-powered offenses, but they’re effective game managers who can give their team a chance to win any game within reach. Head coach Antonio Pierce said O’Connell has “earned the right to get the first snap,” but Minshew will almost certainly get some reps as things progress.