Who Should I Start? Easton Stick or Gardner Minshew

Sunday, September 22, 10:28 AM

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Easton Stick could be asked to start under center during Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team is preparing to start Justin Herbert (ankle), but they haven't made a final decision. If Herbert sits, the Chargers plan to use some strategy that involves both Stick and veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke. This sounds like a disaster waiting to happen against a tough Steelers defense. Stick threw for 1,129 passing yards with three touchdowns and one interception in five games (four starts) with the Chargers last season. The former fifth-round pick seems like a capable backup, but is not a recommended fantasy option if Herbert is unable to play.

Monday, February 17, 10:58 PM

The Athletic's Tashan Reed writes that quarterback Gardner Minshew II was terrible in 10 appearances in 2024 and won't be in the Las Vegas Raiders' plans at quarterback in 2025. The Raider will free up only $3 million in salary cap space this year while taking a dead-money hit of $10.82 million if they cut him, according to Spotrac. However, if they make him a post-June 1 cut, they'll save $6 million in cap space, with the dead-money hit spread across the next two years -- $7.82 million in 2025 and $3 million in 2026. With Minshew likely being cut this offseason, Aidan O'Connell would be the team's clear starter heading into next season, but the Raiders could draft a new signal-caller, sign one on the open market or trade for someone. Minshew was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2023 with the Colts but threw nine TDs and 10 interceptions in Vegas in 2024 and will be a backup option for anyone that picks him up.