Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
As the quarterback carousel continues, there is finally a team that feels relaxed without dancing with anyone. A potential solution for these clubs to look outside is a phone call to Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman about a Gardner Minshew deal.
Originally selected in the sixth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, Minshew eventually made 12 starts as a rookie in which he led the team to a respectable 6-6 record.
Two years later, Minshew made even more gains than any other QB in Duval starting. The Jags have been away since 4-29, including a 1-7 season with Minshew making eight more starts in 2020 before choosing Trevor Lawrence in the following draft.
Once Lawrence came in, despite a QB battle that was probably not much of a real competition under Urban Meyer, the organization Minshew traded to the Eagles for the 198th selected from the 178th selection in 2019.
Now, Minshew is being held as a backup by Jalen Hurts, for whom the team has engaged in some sort, but not completely, after flirting with Russell Wilson this offseason. Still, after several attempts by Minshew to take over Hurts as a starter, coach Nick Sirianni said “it will not happen” in response to a start-up QB change from Hurts to Minshew.
Related: NFL QB Rankings: Check out our Top 20 quarterbacks including Russell Wilson and Carson Wentz
For the reasons listed above, Gardner Minshew could potentially be available in stores if a team presents an interesting offer. Here are five of the best commercial landing sites for Minshew in 2022.
Related: 4 Ideal Baker Mayfield Trading Scenarios by the Cleveland Browns
Seattle Seahawks create competition between Minshew and Drew Lock
- Philadelphia Eagles Trade: Gardner Minshew
- Seattle Seahawks Trade: 5th Round Wheel (152))
It is known that coach Pete Carroll is enjoying a friendly match. The Seahawks have been lifting Drew Lock since they added him in the Russell Wilson trade, but that does not mean they are not yet looking to add QB space either through design or trade. Minshew might be the perfect fit.
Minshew is competitive, he’s passionate, and he might just be a great team leader if he gets the chance. Minshew compares well with Lock, who also needs a chance to show what he can do.
- Drew Lock Career Statistics: 59.3%, 4,740 Passeyards, 25 TD, 20 INT, 11.3 YPC
- Gardner Minshew Career Statistics: 63.2%, 5,969 Pass Yards, 41 TD, 12 INT, 11 YPC
Whoever is under the center for the Seahawks benefits from a strong core of catchers with DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and the new Noah Fant on the tight end. Defensively disappearing, there is no doubt that Seattle represents an intriguing scenario for any QB looking at a new situation.
Related: 3 Baker Mayfield to Seattle Seahawks Trading Scenarios
Gardner Minshew makes the Indianapolis Colts a playoff team
- Philadelphia Eagles Trade: Gardner Minshew
- Indianapolis Colts Trade: 5th Round Pick (159th)
If the Indianapolis Colts hope to land a quarterback who gives them a chance to win in 2022, well it looks like they missed the boat on the best options the team has changed this offseason. But that does not mean that all hope is lost.
They could still be involved in the free agency market where Jameis Winston remains the best available option, or they could do what they did last year and act for a new starting quarterback. One of the perhaps forgotten quarterbacks of yesteryear is Gardner Minshew.
A year ago, Minshew made a safe bet to be traded after the Jaguars landed the No. 1 overall pick. Once the preseason rolled, he was treated, but now he’s blocked in Philly by Jalen Hurts. The Colts were able to throw a lifeline Minshew’s way without parting with their Top 2022 draft picks. At all, they did not have the ammunition to land a big name, with their top selection not reaching the Pick 42.
Fear not, they could pivot to a 25-year-old (May 26) who already has 22 career starts in the NFL. Minshew wow may not be one with his arm strength or athletic ability, but he always offers more mobility than the hacked version of Wentz we saw a year ago.
Related: 4 Indianapolis Colts QB options for the 2022 season
New Orleans Saints elect Minshew Mania
- Philadelphia Eagles Trade: Gardner Minshew
- New Orleans Saints Trade: 5th Round Pick (161st)
Who will be the starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints in 2022? At the moment, the answer seems to be Taysom Hill. But he did not necessarily show anything to prove that he could keep the job. Otherwise, a meeting with Winston could be very good. But what if another team outbids them for Winston?
Is Hill the long-term answer or do they have to continue to use their skill set as a tear / get threat? The answer will be revealed later in the year, but for now, the Saints may like the idea of taking a chance on Gardner Minshew for the foreseeable future. He is under contract for the low price of $ 2.54 million in 2022, offering the franchise a very affordable starting QB option for next season. Such a trade would not keep them trapped in Minshew, which would still allow them to give Ian Book every opportunity to steal the work, whether it’s next year or 2023.
Related: New Orleans Saints meet with Deshaun Watson for the second time, close to $ 30 million in cap space
Minshew takes his mustache to Carolina
- Philadelphia Eagles Trade: Gardner Minshew
- Carolina Panthers Trade: 5th Round Pick (149th)
Finally, we come to the team that is actually linked to Minshew Mania. As ESPN’s David Newton speculates, the Panthers may be interested in adding Minshew to their QB space.
The trade for Minshew still allows them to keep Sam Darnold’s $ 18.85 million salary for 2022, while creating a competitive situation for the best man to win the show. Landing in Carolina would give Minshew a talented core of skill position players including DJ Moore, Robby Anderson and Christian McCaffrey plus a unit loaded with talent at every level of defense.
Minshew could very well come to Carolina and take the lead of the team in a way that coach Matt Rhule still saw from Teddy Bridgewater, Cam Newton and Darnold. Sure, Minshew is a little different, but you can not question his passion for football, which could just be what this team lacks in the QB position.
Related: Evaluate the best Carolina Panthers quarterback options in 2022
Add Comment