"They need Tom Brady": Raiders fans in despair as HC Antonio Pierce names Gardner Minshew team's starting QB

Heading into the 2024 season, the Las Vegas Raiders had a quarterback battle between Gardner Minshew and second-year QB Aidan O'Connell. O'Connell started for the Raiders as a rookie for the second half of the 2023 season. Minshew was picked up as a free agent this off-season.

A day after their second pre-season game, head coach Antonio Pierce named Minshew as the team's starting quarterback for Week 1.

Following the news of Minshew being named the starting quarterback, Raiders fans didn't seem too optimistic. Some fans think Aidan O'Connell should have been named the starting quarterback, while others believe a different quarterback should be their starter.

"They need Tom Brady," a fan said.

"They could well be picking 1st next year. Them or Carolina," one person said.

"Big mistake, change will happen by week four," one person said.

While some fans weren't the most confident upon hearing that Minshew would be the team's starting quarterback, others showed their confidence in Minshew leading the team. Some think Minshew is a better option for the Raiders than O'Connell.

Minshew has started for multiple teams, and some think there is still some "Minshew Mania" left.

"We knew that was the most possible outcome," one fan said.

"MINSHEW MANIA PT. 5," one person wrote.

Las Vegas Raiders reportedly tried to trade up for a quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft

Las Vegas Raiders v Indianapolis Colts - Source: Getty

The Las Vegas Raiders had the tough task of figuring out their starting quarterback for the 2024 season this off-season.

The team released Jimmy Garoppolo in March, just one season after he signed a three-year contract.

The Raiders signed Gardner Minshew in the off-season as insurance for the position, hoping to draft a quarterback in the draft. Per the Raiders insider Vincent Bonsignore, the team failed to trade up in the draft for a quarterback, with six QBs being taken before their pick at pick No. 13.

This season, Minshew will lead the Raiders at quarterback. He's 15-22 in his career as a starter on three different teams while throwing for 9,937 yards, 59 touchdowns and 24 interceptions.