Head Coach Antonio Pierce firing will likely trigger a Panthers, Saints trade involving quarterback Gardner Minshew. According to several sources, the Las Vegas Raiders are officially firing Pierce after a disastrous first year with the club. A coach firing puts the Raiders in the hunt for a new head coach despite helping the team finish 5-4 last season in 2023, but that success couldn’t replicate what happened this campaign. While the Raiders will join the Jets, Saints, Bears and several teams looking for a new head coach, the team will need to decide who will be their next signal-caller moving forward.
There have been rumors spurring all season that the Raiders could draft Shedeur Sanders but with the Titans having the No. 1 pick, they will likely select him. This means if they do they may have to look towards free agency to find a new quarterback which will complicate the future of what the team will do with Minshew. Originally selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Washington State product came into the league hoping to be the starting quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, setting a franchise record for passing touchdowns. However, the Jaguars moved on early from the quarterback since selecting Trevor Lawrence in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Minshew became a journeyman in his career following two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts. He joined the Raiders in hopes of competing for a starting job again after signing a two-year deal. However, it might be time for Las Vegas to move on since they’ll likely build a new regime with whoever will be the next head coach.
Head Coach Antonio Pierce Firing Likely To Trigger Gardner Minshew Panthers, Saints Trade
Trust in Bryce Young?
It’s clear that Minshew’s playing abilities have nothing to do with himself, rather the system in Las Vegas was the issue. He might not be a good fit for the Raiders so he should sign with a team that accommodates his needs. However, the Carolina Panthers bring in Minshew could help him re-establish a new scenery and supply Bryce Young with depth. Head Coach Dave Canales will need to start from square one but since they said they have faith in Young, chances are that probably won’t happen this upcoming season.
Things are always changing in Carolina and there has been proof after sending Diontae Johnson to Baltimore and shockingly trading Johnathan Mingo to the Dallas Cowboys. Young is on the hot seat no matter how he performs at practice, but the Panthers should sign Minshew if they have no desire to draft a quarterback.
No Paycut, No Carr
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints will need to do all they can to save salary cap to make some immediate moves to improve the roster. Quarterback Derek Carr already said he won’t be taking a pay cut which could complicate his future with the team despite positive talks so far this offseason. Even though he’ll be willing to restructure his contract, it might not be enough to sign a couple of potential free-agent signings to help him. The Saints trade for Minshew and sign him on a one-year deal to see what he could do to stretch the field while rookie Spencer Rattler gets more time to get established in the league.
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