Raiders 2025: Is the staring quarterback even on the roster?

Former coach Antonio Pierce regretted decision to make Gardner Minshew QB1

The key decision between the integral hires of a new head coach and general manager for the Las Vegas Raiders is simple: Franchise quarterback.

The NFL is a quarterback-driven lead and unfortunately for the Silver & Black, with how the QB room was underwhelming this past season, instead of driving, the team is stuck in neutral with a habit of going in reverse sometimes.

From then-general manager Tom Telesco signing veteran free agent Gardner Minshew II to a two-year $25 million deal ($15 million guaranteed at signing) to forgoing a quarterback prospect in any round of the 2024 NFL draft, to then-head coach Antonio Pierce deciding to start Minshew after a tepid competition with second-year signal caller Aidan O’Connell, things did start well. Ineffectiveness, injuries and stints on injured reserve rattled the room necessitating the addition of Desmon Ridder from the Arizona Cardinals practice squad.

Quickly, the signal caller situation for the Raiders was fascinatingly horrifying.

Minshew threw more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (nine) as he went 2-7 in the nine game she started for Las Vegas this past season. He went 203-of-306 (66.3 percent completion rate) for 2,013 yards, was sacked 29 times, and fumbled six times.

O’Connell threw for eight touchdowns to four interceptions going 2-5 in the seven games he started. He finished 154-of-243 (63.4 percent) for 1,612 yards, was sacked 10 times, and fumbled twice.

Ridder lost his lone start and threw two touchdowns and interceptions. He went 52-of-85 for 458 yards while getting sacked 10 times, and fumbling three times.

Thus, it’s fair to wonder is the staring quarterback in 2025 even on the roster?

The ragtag Raiders may look quite different depending on who the team hires as the new head coach and general manger. And if Las Vegas lands a sound offensive mind as head coach — say for example Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson — the quarterback spot becomes far more encouraging.

That kind of play calling head coach should be paired with a general manager who is of like mind but can also be steadfast in their own beliefs if it conflicts.

Because that duo will not only determine the future of the trio of names mentioned above, but also using draft capital or cap space to either land a promising prospect or ink a veteran option during free agency in March.

Fiscally, a long look at Minshew is a must. The 28-year-old base salary next season is $11.84 million with bonuses and guaranteed salary gives him a $14 million cap number. If Las Vegas were to cut the quarterback with a post-June 1 designation, the Raiders would take on $4.66 million of dead cap but save $9.34 million in cap space. Physically, Minshew doesn’t have the arm to willingly throw deep and his scrambling ability and pocket awareness were amiss.

O’Connell, meanwhile, has the look a bridge quarterback rather than franchise type. The 26-year-old is a quick decision maker, has an accurate arm with average arm strength though. And he isn’t the most nimble on his feet. But it’d be interesting to see how O’Connell fares under the tutelage of a play caller of Johnson’s caliber.

Ridder, on the other hand, is a restricted free agent after being signed and Las Vegas can apply either first-round, second-round, or original round tender to either have the quarterback re-sign or get compensation from another team that inks him to an offer sheet. (Ridder would most likely return to Las Vegas even if a tender were applied).

The Raiders decision making duo could determine O’Connell is viable option while adding a quarterback in NFL Draft. Or the team could sign a free agent as the market could see Sam Darnold leading a group that has Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, and veterans Jacoby Brissett and Marcus Mariota. The other option is trading for one, hence the open-endedness of the quarterback conundrum.

Las Vegas does have the No. 6 pick in April’s draft and seven other picks including two third-round selections. The team can potentially package a player or draft pick (or both together) to move up to land a prospect or stand pat to see if one falls to them at six. If neither of those happen, it shouldn’t discourage the decision makers from looking to add a prospect later in the draft.

Because competition is healthy and the Raiders need more of it at the all-important quarterback position.

The battle for the starting role shouldn’t be lukewarm.

It should be as scorching as the summers in the Nevada.