Raiders Named Top Landing Spot for Projected $240 Million QB to Replace Minshew

The Las Vegas Raiders chose quarterback Gardner Minshew II to run the show over Aidan O'Connell during the preseason, but there's a reasonable chance both men will be out of contention for the starting job a year from now if Dak Prescott hits free agency.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on Thursday, September 5, cited a source familiar with the stalled negotiations between Prescott and his current team, the Dallas Cowboys, who said free agency for the QB next March is the most likely outcome.

At that point, the bidding will open and Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report predicted that the Raiders will be at the front of the line with an offer for the three-time Pro Bowler.

"The Las Vegas Raiders would be obvious suitors for Prescott if he becomes available in 2025," Knox wrote Thursday. "If Minshew doesn't provide a clear quarterback upgrade, new head coach Antonio Pierce probably won't hesitate to go back to O'Connell. Even if he does, he's not likely to stop Las Vegas from pursuing Prescott."

Ted Nguyen of The Athletic on Thursday cited a source who projected that if Prescott inks a deal with the Cowboys at this point, it would be for approximately $240 million over the next four years. That is $60 million annually, which is $5 million more per season than any other player in the history of the NFL has ever earned.

The Raiders will have the money to make that kind of deal, as Spotrac currently projects the organization will be able to access roughly $72.5 million in salary cap space next spring.

Prescott, who will play the upcoming season at the age of 31, finished second in MVP voting last year on the strength of 4,516 yards and a league-leading 36 TD passes against just 9 INTs, per Pro Football Reference.