Who Should I Start? Gardner Minshew or Malik Willis

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.

Thursday, January 9, 5:51 PM

Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis (thumb) returned to a full practice session on Thursday after he was limited on Wednesday. Jordan Love (elbow) was also limited on Wednesday and a full-go on Thursday, so both signal-callers should be ready to roll for the wild-card playoff game on Sunday in Philadelphia against the Eagles. Willis is dealing with a right-thumb injury that he apparently picked up on Sunday when he came on in relief of Love in the loss to the division-rival Chicago Bears in the Week 18 regular-season finale. The 25-year-old made two starts earlier this year when Love was sidelined with an injury and has appeared in seven games total, going 40-for-54 for 550 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Willis has been serviceable in limited duty for the Packers but won't carry any fantasy value into the postseason with Love looking good to go.