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 begin 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's arrival, Las Vegas currently has two options atop the quarterback room.

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.

For now, both he and O'Connell are in line to fight it out for QB1 rights. Come tonight, or perhaps Friday if the draft falls a certain way, Las