Colts Sign Electric Former Eagles Quarterback Gardner Minshew
When talking about the Indianapolis Colts this offseason, it is impossible to not talk about the quarterback position.
The Colts are poised to draft what they hope will be their next franchise quarterback with the No.4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. With that in mind, the team released Matt Ryan yesterday, knowing he would not be their starter this season and to clear cap space.
There was always a good chance the Colts would also bring in a veteran quarterback to serve as a backup/bridge option for the rookie they draft. That thought became a reality on Thursday, as Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports the Colts have signed former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Gardner Minshew. The deal is reportedly for one year, $3.5 million with incentives that can make the contract worth $5.5 million.
Minshew was a sixth-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Washington State. He took over as the starting quarterback for then-Jaguars quarterback Nick Foles during his rookie season, starting 12 of the team's 16 games. Minshew began the 2020 season as the Jaguars' starter but was replaced halfway through the year by rookie Jake Luton.
Minshew's tenure in Jacksonville only lasted two seasons. In 23 games (20 starts), Minshew went 501-of-797 (62.9%) for 5,530 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
After the Jaguars drafted Trevor Lawrence in the 2021 NFL Draft, Minshew was traded to the Eagles where he was coached by Steichen for the last two seasons. Minshew served as the backup to Jalen Hurts, filling in at the end of blowouts or when Hurts was injured. In nine games (four starts) with the Eagles, Minshew was 85-of-136 (62.5%) for 1,102 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Minshew is known for his quirky personality that captures the hearts of fans. While he does not have high-end physical traits, he is a solid quarterback who can execute an offense and keep a team in games. Former teammates love Minshew, and he has proven to be a great locker room guy.
By bringing in Minshew, the Colts have a quarterback who has been in Steichen's offense for the past two seasons. If he needs to serve as a bridge quarterback until the rookie is ready, Minshew is more than capable of doing so. However, for the amount the Colts signed him for, he could also serve as the backup if the rookie is ready to go from the jump.
The Colts have shored up two-thirds of their quarterback room by adding Minshew with Sam Ehlinger. The only piece remaining is whoever Indy decides to draft in April.
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