Originally posted on Side Lion Report | By Brad Berreman | Last updated Mar 5, 2025 11:37 AM ET
Going back to last summer, despite recent and expected sentiment that was too easy to put out there, the Detroit Lions have made it clear they’d replace Hendon Hooker as Jared Goff’s backup if they could. Elevating Teddy Bridgewater over him as the No. 2 quarterback for the playoff game last season against the Washington Commander solidified it for anyone who cares to see it.
Free agent backup quarterback options are not very exciting, but the Lions seemingly want someone with experience if they’re going to consider replacing Hooker. Someone who may now go to the top of this list of backup options for teams who need one is now available.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Las Vegas Raiders have informed quarterback Gardner Minshew they will release him when the new league year starts. Raiders beat writers have also reported the move.
Gardner Minshew lands as ideal option for Lions to replace Hendon Hooker
Minshew played in 10 games for the Raiders last season (nine starts), completing over 66 percent of his passes with nine touchdowns, 10 interceptions and an 81.0 passer rating.
Minshew is on the Ryan Fitzpatrick career track, which is meant as a compliment. His next team will be his fifth in seven NFL seasons, and his fourth team is as many campaigns. He has appeared in 59 games in his career, with 46 starts (17-29 record). He made 12 of those starts as a rookie with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, when “Minshew Mania” became a thing, with 13 more starts for the Indianapolis Colts in 2023 when he went to the Pro Bowl (for whatever that’s worth).
Between his time with the Jaguars (2019-2020) and that one year with the Colts, Minshew spent two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles as Jalen Hurts’ backup.
Minshew would bring notable starting experience to any quarterback room, with experience in multiple offensive systems. It’s also fair to say he could keep the Lions’ talent-laden offense on the rails pretty well if something happened to Goff, and they seemingly don’t think Hooker can do that.
