NFL Coach: 'Nobody Wants' Raiders' Minshew to Be QB1, 'Probably Even His Own Team'

The Las Vegas Raiders will trot out Gardner Minshew at quarterback in 2024, for better or for worse.

Minshew was ranked No. 25 in The Athletic's annual quarterback ratings, and offensive coaches in the NFL are not enthused with his potential.

"Nobody wants him to be a starter, probably even his own team, but he won games with Indy last year," an offensive coach said, per Mike Sando of The Athletic. "When you play him, the kid is competitive. He will keep you in the game — and them. It's going to be a fight."

Minshew is entering his sixth season in the NFL and his first with the Las Vegas Raiders. He was thrust into a starting role with the Indianapolis Colts in 2023 and was adequate, throwing for 3,305 passing yards with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 13 starts.

He assumed the role as the starter following rookie Anthony Richardson's early season-ending injury in 2023, but now only has 2023 fourth-round pick Aidan O'Connell as true competition for the starting role throughout the 2024 season.

He played in two preseason games in 2024, throwing for 212 yards and one touchdown. He was named the starting quarterback on Aug. 18 and will steer the ship for a team that went 8-9 in 2023 and has some strong offensive talent like wide receivers Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers and tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer.

The Raiders open the 2024 season on Sept. 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers.