The Detroit Lions appear set on finding a replacement for Hendon Hooker, and a new intriguing candidate has emerged.
Since last summer, despite some lingering opinions suggesting otherwise, the Lions have consistently signaled their willingness to move on from Hooker as Jared Goff’s backup. Their decision to elevate Teddy Bridgewater over Hooker as the No. 2 quarterback in last season’s playoff game against the Washington Commanders made their stance even clearer.
The available backup quarterback market isn’t exactly overflowing with exciting choices, but Detroit seems to be prioritizing experience in any potential replacement. A new name has now surfaced as a strong contender for teams in need of a reliable backup.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero has reported that the Las Vegas Raiders have decided to part ways with quarterback Gardner Minshew once the new league year begins. Several Raiders beat writers have also confirmed the decision.
Gardner Minshew: An Ideal Fit for the Lions
Minshew saw action in 10 games for the Raiders last season, starting in nine of them. He completed over 66% of his passes, throwing for nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions while posting a passer rating of 81.0.
His career path is beginning to resemble that of Ryan Fitzpatrick, which is a compliment given Fitzpatrick’s long-standing ability to contribute as a capable backup. Minshew is set to join his fifth team in seven NFL seasons, marking his fourth team in as many years. Over his career, he has appeared in 59 games, making 46 starts with a 17-29 record. His breakout came in 2019 as a rookie with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where “Minshew Mania” took hold. He later started 13 games for the Indianapolis Colts in 2023, a season that earned him a Pro Bowl selection.
Beyond his time in Jacksonville (2019-2020) and his one-year stint with the Colts, Minshew also spent two seasons as Jalen Hurts’ backup with the Philadelphia Eagles.
With his extensive starting experience and familiarity with multiple offensive schemes, Minshew would bring valuable depth to the Lions’ quarterback room. Given Detroit’s offensive talent, he appears well-suited to step in and keep things running smoothly if Goff were to miss time—a responsibility the team seemingly does not trust Hooker to handle.
