Although the Indianapolis Colts are set to select a quarterback in the draft, they still must find a veteran backup. Could Gardner Minshew be that guy?
The Indianapolis Colts recently released veteran quarterback Matt Ryan. After just one season with Ryan, Indy is moving on and is currently in search of another starting quarterback. The expectation is that the Colts will find their quarterback of the future in the 2023 NFL Draft. Indianapolis has cycled through veterans the last few seasons because they haven’t had a high enough pick to draft a top guy. With the No. 4 pick in this year’s draft, Indy finally has that opportunity.
However, the NFL has proven countless times that any team with a young quarterback better have an experienced veteran on the roster as well. The veteran not only guides the rookie and helps them transition to the NFL, but it has to be someone who can step in if the rookie quarterback isn’t ready to play from day one. The Colts also must decide on who their veteran will be as they’re trying to find their rookie.
Indianapolis may be close to deciding on a veteran quarterback option for the team. On Thursday, Zak Keefer of The Athletic reported that the Colts are looking into adding veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew, a move that would make a lot of sense.
Hearing Colts are looking into free agent QB Gardner Minshew. With the Shane Steichen connection — they were together in Philly the last two years, with Minshew making four starts — it makes sense.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 16, 2023
Colts are looking into signing Gardner Minshew
As Keefer highlighted, Minshew has spent the last two seasons as the backup quarterback with the Philadelphia Eagles. In Philly, he was playing under offensive coordinator, Shane Steichen, who is now Indy’s head coach. That makes Minshew an ideal candidate to join the Colts as a backup quarterback to support a rookie.
Since Minshew has already spent two years working in Steichen’s offense, he should be familiar with his style as a coach and his system. Things will probably be a bit different based on the quarterback Indy selects, but Minshew should have a good understanding of the offense’s terminology and rules, and he could help the development process of a young quarterback trying to learn the playbook.
Additionally, Minshew has played a ton in his four years in the NFL. Playing in 32 total games, Minshew has started 24. Last season, when Jalen Hurts was out for a couple of weeks, Minshew completed 42-of-72 passes for 629 yards, three touchdowns, three interceptions, and a rushing touchdown. The Eagles ultimately lost both of the games, but one of the games were lost 40-34, so it’s hard to really pin that on Minshew and the offense, even with two interceptions in the game.
Ultimately, Minshew is a veteran backup that Shane Steichen is familiar with and could be a good asset for the quarterback room. It’ll be interesting to see if the Colts are able to sign him.
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