Gardner Minshew gives Philadelphia Eagles nice option at QB
While Jalen Hurts is the starting quarterback, the Philadelphia Eagles got a terrific insurance policy in Gardner Minshew.
The Philadelphia Eagles are betting on Jalen Hurts. However, if things don’t go well, they have a plan.
Last week, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman swung a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars. As a result, quarterback Gardner Minshew arrived for a sixth-round pick in 2022. Minshew, who entered the league as a sixth-round choice out of Washington State in 2019, comes over after seeing his team take Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick in April.
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While Minshew doesn’t have all the traits of an elite starter, he played remarkably well with Jacksonville considering the circumstances. Minshew threw for 5,530 yards and 37 touchdowns against 11 interceptions over 20 appearances and 16 starts, racking up a record of 7-13. While the overall mark may seem underwhelming, consider the Jaguars went 1-15 last season before completely cleaning house. Minshew won their only game, before the coaching staff curiously tried Mike Glennon and Jake Luton under center.
For Philadelphia, landing Minshew for a late Day 3 pick was an easy decision. And head coach Nick Sirianni, who lost to Minshew with the Indianapolis Colts last season, is happy to have him, per ESPN:
“Look forward to working with him. The first game up there last year, we opened up the season at Jacksonville, and he was 19-of-20 against our defense and really played a good game. I’ve watched him play some good games.”
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For Minshew, landing in Philadelphia represents a new opportunity — and a very good one. While Hurts is the starter entering the regular season, the Eagles don’t have a terrific supporting cast. If Hurts should falter in his second campaign, the team could decide to make a switch. Should Minshew showcase his talents, Philadelphia could decide to give him more run, or send him elsewhere for a starting job while using one of its two (or three) first-round picks to nab another signal-caller.
Ultimately, the Eagles made a buy-low bet on Minshew, giving them a quality backup to Hurts while allowing the youngster to have some additional help on the sideline and in meeting rooms. Meanwhile, the new-found quarterback has a new road to getting back on the field, one that didn’t exist sitting behind Lawrence.
A good deal for all involved.
