Looking back to last summer, despite some easy-to-make but widely shared sentiment, the Detroit Lions have made it clear they’d consider replacing Hendon Hooker as Jared Goff’s backup if they had the chance. Elevating Teddy Bridgewater over Hooker as the No. 2 quarterback for the playoff game last season against the Washington Commanders really solidified this view for those paying attention.

Free agent backup quarterbacks aren’t exactly exciting, but the Lions appear to want someone with experience if they’re going to replace Hooker. A player who is now available and could move to the top of backup options for teams in need is also on the market.

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 begins. Raiders beat writers have also confirmed this move.

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 following a career path similar to Ryan Fitzpatrick’s, and that comparison is meant as praise. His next team will be his fifth in seven NFL seasons, and his fourth team in as many years. He has appeared in 59 career games, with 46 starts (17-29 record).

He made 12 starts as a rookie with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, when “Minshew Mania” took off, and 13 more starts with the Indianapolis Colts in 2023, when he was named to the Pro Bowl (for whatever that’s worth).

Between his time with the Jaguars (2019-2020) and one year with the Colts, Minshew spent two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles as Jalen Hurts’ backup.

Minshew would bring valuable starting experience to any quarterback room, having played in multiple offensive systems. It’s also safe to say he could keep the Lions’ high-powered offense in line if something were to happen to Goff, something they likely don’t believe Hooker could do.