Gardner Minshew Signs Contract With Indianapolis Colts

Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts, Agree to Contract

Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew spent the 2022 season serving as a glorified insurance policy in case of a Jalen Hurts injury. While he spent most of the year on the bench, the quarterback did make his way into five games, including two starts. While on the field, the veteran backup completed 57.9% of his passes for 663 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions.

Minshew originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Washington State product was supposed to compete for the backup spot behind Nick Foles. However, Foles suffered a collarbone injury in Week 1, landing him on the short-term injured reserve and launching Minshew into the starting role.

The rookie was up for the challenge. Taking control of a not-great roster, Minshew made 12 starts during his inaugural campaign, completing 60.6% of his passes for 3,271 yards, 21 touchdowns, five interceptions, and a 6-6 record.

Gardner Minshew played well enough to earn another year at the wheel. Entering the 2020 season as Jacksonville’s QB1, injuries and poor performance limited the former sixth-round pick to just nine games (eight starts). While on the field, Minshew completed 66.1% of his passes for 2,259 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions while Jacksonville went 1-7 in his starts.

The Jaguars earned the first-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and promptly used the selection on quarterback Trevor Lawrence. This effectively spelled the end of the Gardner Minshew Era, and the team traded him to the Eagles prior to the start of the 2021 season.

Since signing his rookie contract, Gardner Minshew has completed 62.8% of his passes for 6,632 yards, 44 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.