According to recent NFL rumors, the Indianapolis Colts have signed a perfect quarterback to back up Lamar Jackson. With a pressing need for a quarterback, the Colts have brought in an option that knows their head coach’s offensive playbook well. However, they are facing a quarterback conundrum, as the Carolina Panthers have secured the No. 1 spot in the NFL Draft, placing them ahead of the Houston Texans.
The top two quarterback prospects are expected to be taken with the first two picks, leaving Indianapolis with the third-best option. Furthermore, the top options in free agency are practically exhausted. Although there is a chance they could trade for Lamar Jackson, it remains unclear whether the Colts are willing to pay a massive contract for him.
Recently, the Colts made a move to address their quarterback depth chart by signing Gardner Minshew to a one-year, $3.5 million contract. As a former quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, Minshew is an ideal fit for Indianapolis, having worked with their current head coach and offensive coordinator, Shane Steichen.
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Over the past two seasons, Minshew has received starts with the Eagles, replacing Jalen Hurts due to injury. He threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns in the team’s 33-18 win over the New York Jets in Week 13 of 2021. In 2022, he started in Weeks 16 and 17 against the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints, respectively, completing 42-of-72 pass attempts for 629 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions.
As of now, Minshew is considered the QB1 for the Colts, as they released Matt Ryan from his contract. Should Indianapolis decide to draft one of the top four quarterbacks, Minshew could still realistically start early in the 2023 season. Whether or not they will pursue Lamar Jackson is still unknown, as it would require two first-round picks and a fully-guaranteed contract to acquire him from the Ravens.