This Star-Studded Backup Quarterback Signs with the Raiders
The Indianapolis Colts may have their future franchise quarterback in the fourth overall pick from this past draft Anthony Richardson, but they cannot deny that if it wasn’t for backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, the team might not have won as many games as they should have in 2023. The star-studded backup quarterback helped the Colts to a 9-8 record, and it wouldn’t be until the final week of the regular season that they were eliminated from playoff contention after a 23-19 loss to their division rival, the Houston Texans. After a great season, Minshew has hit the free agent market, and it was announced not too long ago that he has signed a two-year deal for 25 million dollars with 15 million being guaranteed by the Raiders.
The biggest thing for Gardner Minshew come the 2024 season is to keep improving and to keep building off his success from 2023. He completed about 62 percent of his passes, was sacked 34 times, and fumbled the ball eight times. If he’s going to start for the Raiders, Minshew needs to take it one game at a time and rely on himself and his teammates to get the job done. The star-studded backup quarterback has potential and has proved it on the three teams he’s played for over the past five seasons. No matter if he’s starting or the backup, Las Vegas knows they can count on Gardner to do his part in helping this team win as many games as possible.
In 17 games played last season, Minshew threw 3,305 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. His best game of the season had to be on December 3rd against the Tennessee Titans. The star-studded backup quarterback went 26 for 42 with 312 passing yards and two touchdowns in a 31-28 victory. Indianapolis at one point was 3-5, they won four games in a row which boosted them exponentially into the playoff conversation. Although they didn’t clinch, Gardner Minshew and the Colts as a whole exceeded expectations. Minshew will look to expand on this season and make a further impact come the 2024 season.
