The Las Vegas Raiders faced a difficult task in Week 5, losing to their AFC West Division rivals the Denver Broncos 34-18 on Sunday, October 6, and seeing both of their top two quarterbacks struggle significantly. Gardner Minshew started the game, but head coach Antonio Pierce removed him late in the third quarter after going 12-of-17 for 137 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Aidan O’Connell, a second-year quarterback, performed no better, going 10-of-20 for 94 yards, one interception, and a lower QBR and passer rating than Minshew’s.
The Raiders dropped to 2-3 on the season, while standout wide receiver Davante Adams remains out with a hamstring injury and is expected to be in another uniform before the NFL’s November 5 trade deadline. None of this bodes well for the Raiders, who plainly need a long-term quarterback. However, Spotrac managing editor Mike Ginnitti projected on Thursday that they would acquire one before next summer.
Ginnitti made his prediction during the October 3 episode of “The Spotrac Podcast.” During the debate, he indicated that Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, who is presently 5-0 and a contender for the league’s MVP Award, will most likely wind up in Las Vegas on a large new contract in 2025. “Four years, $160 million to the Las Vegas Raiders,” Ginnitti stated. “It’s cap-adjusted Baker [Mayfield].” Mayfield signed a three-year, $100 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after leading the team to the NFC South Division title and playoff win last season.
Darnold entered Week 5 with 932 yards and a league-leading 11 touchdown throws against just 3 interceptions. He struggled against the New York Jets in London, throwing for 179 yards and one interception. However, the Vikings won the game and will go into their bye week unblemished. Darnold signed a one-year, $10 million contract with Minnesota in March after spending the 2023 season as the San Francisco 49ers’ backup QB.
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