Gardner Minshew always considered Las Vegas 'first option': 'I feel like Raiders have been in my path'

Gardner Minshew isn’t a sure thing to end up first on the Raiders’ depth chart come September, but they were his top priority regardless once free agency began back in March.

After enjoying his first Pro Bowl season while being thrust into action with the Colts in 2023, Minshew quickly set his sights on Las Vegas, where the quarterback cashed in on a two-year deal with a chance to fight for the starting spot under center.

“It was my first option,” Minshew said last week on Maxx Crosby‘s The Rush podcast. “When we were stacking it up, I think I was their first option. As soon as free agency started, we made the call and that was it. Couldn’t have been easier. I couldn’t have been more excited.”

With Minshew joining the team, Las Vegas now has two leading options for the quarterback position.

Second-year QB Aidan O’Connell stepped in for the team’s final 10 games last season once Antonio Pierce, now the full-time head coach, took over on an interim basis. The rookie completed 62.1% of his passes for 2,218 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions while going 5-5. His 83.9 passer rating does not immediately suggest he’s the stud to lead the Raiders into contention in a division dominated by the Chiefs, but he proved a gutsy option who could still build on his fourth-round pedigree.

In Indy, Minshew helped the Colts to the precipice of a surprise playoff berth after Anthony Richardson went down for the year. He posted a 7-6 record in relief, with 3,305 passing yards, 15 TDs, nine interceptions and a completion percentage and passer rating on line with O’Connell’s — 62.2 and 84.6, respectively.

Currently, he and O’Connell are in the running for the QB1 position. However, depending on how the draft goes tonight or possibly Friday, there’s a high chance that a rookie will be brought into the mix in Las Vegas. The new addition may either serve as a backup to Minshew and O’Connell or immediately vie for the starting position.

Regardless of the final outcome, Minshew has already made himself at home. He’s been reconciling with former adversaries and confirming the high praise he’s heard about the head coach.

Clearly chums now as the QB has appeared on Crosby’s podcast, the two were part of a viral moment on Inside the NFL when the Colts and Raiders clashed in 2023 and the three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher chirped at a mic’d-up Minshew on repeat with calls of “little ass boy.”

Minshew jokingly told local media the two smoothed things over shortly after signing.

Last week, he went into further detail with Crosby.

Minshew said to Crosby and the other podcast hosts, “I anticipated it. We were on a collision course on those tracks, it was inevitable. I was actually excited about it. I appreciate those who aren’t afraid to talk trash, have a good time, and compete fiercely. That was my sentiment. I decided not to retort, as it didn’t appear to be the best idea at the time. But I was certainly eager to meet him. He’s been extremely pleasant, which has been quite unexpected.”

Pierce’s establishment of the early atmosphere has been less shocking for Minshew.

“He said, ‘The things I’ve heard about AP are remarkable. The reviews are so good, they almost seem unbelievable. But after spending some time with him, I can confirm that they’re true, which is thrilling. Just being in the company of the guys in the building, it’s clear that everyone is united in their goal. Everyone is eager to improve and is focused on winning. I believe when you have a team like this, you stand a real chance. Regardless of what’s happening or who’s on the team, if everyone is working towards the same goal, I think you have a strong potential for success.”

Luckily, I believe we also have some strong players on our team. We need to unify during the Off-Season Training Activities and camp, which I’m confident we’ll do. Given that, I’d say we have a good shot.

It’s currently unclear exactly what role he played in making those opportunities come to life with Crosby, Pierce, and others that have boosted his confidence. However, it seems he knew or hoped for a while that his next move would involve wearing silver and black.

“Raiders have seemed to be in my path for a long time now,” said Minshew.