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Veteran NFL Quarterback Cut Due To Failed Physical

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Mar 13, 2025 2:17 PM ET

The NFL began its new league year on Wednesday, and players around the league were officially released to avoid roster designations. Many of these cuts were reported weeks ago, like the Rams parting ways with Cooper Kupp or the Jets moving on from Aaron Rodgers.

The Las Vegas Raiders made it clear that they were moving on from Gardner Minshew when they traded for Geno Smith, but his official release has come with a designation that sheds more light on their decision.

Minshew was released with a failed physical designation.

He suffered a broken collarbone in Week 12 that ended his season, and he could still be recovering from that injury.

It's also possible that Minshew picked up a different injury in the last few months, but the designation complicates the rest of the offseason for him.

Minshew could have to wait before signing with a new team if he isn't cleared. Spots are filling around the league for starters and backups, and the pace of negotiations means that every moment is critical, especially for a position as important as quarterback.

Minshew joined the Raiders last season after stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts. The former sixth-round pick was named to the Pro Bowl after his 2023 season, filling in for an injured Anthony Richardson and nearly leading the Colts to the playoffs.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 14: Gardner Minshew II #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lincoln Financial Field on October 14, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

He appeared in 10 games for the Raiders last season, going 2-7 in nine starts. Minshew threw 10 interceptions and nine touchdowns, and his 81.0 passer rating was the worst of his career.

Many believed the Raiders would take a rookie quarterback with the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft.

That can still happen, but it seems less likely with Smith's arrival following the trade. Smith is proven with playoff experience, and doesn't appear to be at the stage of his career where a rebuild is best suited for his talents.

After his release and designation, we'll see what the future holds for Minshew. He's one of the most popular and well-known journeyman quarterbacks in the NFL, and when healthy he's been a solid backup on multiple teams.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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