The 2024 NFL Draft saw a historic run on quarterbacks with six selections in the first twelve picks. The Las Vegas Raiders, holding the 13th pick, were conspicuously absent from the quarterback frenzy. Instead, the team turned to free agency and veteran leadership by signing Gardner Minshew to a two-year, $25 million contract, with $15 million guaranteed.
Quarterback Conundrum in Las Vegas
Head Coach Antonio Pierce, who assumed his role after replacing the dismissed Josh McDaniels midseason in 2023, is at the helm of the Raiders. Pierce faces the challenge of evaluating his quarterbacks, Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell, both of whom participated in a recent preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. The Raiders suffered a 27-12 loss at home, raising concerns about the team's offensive capabilities.
Minshew's performance was less than stellar, completing 10 of 21 passes for a mere 95 yards. Aidan O'Connell, a fourth-round pick from the 2023 draft, had his share of struggles and highlights. He threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Harrison Bryant but also tossed an interception that Dallas defensive back Kemon Hall returned 69 yards for a touchdown. O'Connell later failed to convert a critical two-point attempt.
Reflecting on the duo's performance in the Cowboys game, Pierce stated, "I mean, everything. You can't take the good and not take the bad. Wish it went well for both gentlemen. It just didn't. We'll look at it, and we'll evaluate. They both had opportunities. Aidan had 20 attempts, and Minshew had 21, so about as balanced as we can get it. We'll look at it."
Roster Decisions Loom
As the Raiders plan for the third preseason game, Coach Pierce has decided that the starters, including both Minshew and O'Connell, will not take the field. This decision underscores the urgency and complexity of the situation. "Yeah, we've seen enough reps. Two games, like we talked about. Our guys are not playing in the third preseason game, our starters, so we'll sleep on it and make a decision in the next couple of days," Pierce confirmed.
Pierce emphasized the factors that will influence his quarterback decision-making process, citing everything from command of the offense to efficiency and turnovers. "I'm going all the way back to OTAs, minicamp, training camp, two preseason games. There's going to be a lot of factors obviously right? Command of the offense, the operational part. Efficiency. The turnovers are huge. That shows up. Taking care of the football is going to be important for our team," he said.
The anticipation and expectations are high, as Raiders fans yearn for a clear leader to emerge. Pierce acknowledges the challenge, saying, "Everybody wants to see a player just take it and say, 'I'm your guy,' like I've been saying from Day 1. Obviously [that's] probably not the case."
Looking Ahead
The Raiders' offseason moves, including the significant investment in Minshew and the drafting of O'Connell, add layers of complexity to the decision. The team's performance and the choices made by Coach Pierce in the upcoming days will likely define the Raiders' trajectory this season.
Raiders fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Pierce and his coaching staff mull over their options. The balance between giving Minshew, the proven veteran, a chance and nurturing the potential of O'Connell, the young upstart, will be pivotal. The decisions made now could very well set the tone for the Raiders' aspirations in the 2024 NFL season.