The NFL free agency is only a week away, and teams around the league are setting themselves up for when the tampering period begins on Monday. Teams are scrambling to create more cap space ahead of free agency through cuts and contract restructures. This means that there will be new and unexpected free agents hitting the market over the next few days.
One of those names was a former Philadelphia Eagle. Veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew was informed of his pending release by the Las Vegas Raiders, per NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
The #Raiders informed QB Gardner Minshew they’ll release him when the new league year begins next Wednesday, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 5, 2025
Minshew has 46 career starts and is still only 28 years old. An experienced option available. pic.twitter.com/m9xZLzeK7l
NFL News: QB Gardner Minshew Released by the Raiders
Minshew was under contract for one more season as he has $3.16 million in salary guarantees for next season. The Raiders save over $6 million against the cap by releasing Minshew.
The former Eagles QB spent last season with the Raiders, starting in nine games. He led the team to a 2-7 record in those starts, losing his starting job to Aidan O'Connell mid-season before winning it back.
Minshew's best stretch as a pro came in Indianapolis in 2023 when he led the Colts to a 7-6 record in his starts and earned Pro Bowl honors.
Prior to that, Minshew spent two seasons in Philadelphia as Jalen Hurts' backup. In those two years, he started in four games, winning one of them. He ended his Eagles tenure with a 62.5% completion rate, seven touchdowns, four interceptions, and a 92.8 passer rating.
Thanks to his experience as a starter, Minshew should draw plenty of interest on the open market. Any team looking for a competent veteran as their QB2 should be wise to consider Minshew, who has 46 starts to his name in six NFL seasons.