Gardner Minshew has been selected to the 2024 Pro Bowl games for the first time in his career. What makes this feat very remarkable is the fact that Minshew began the year as a backup quarterback. In the 13 games that he started, Minshew went 7-6. He also had 15 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and threw for 3,305 yards. On top of posting solid numbers, he almost led the Colts to a division crown. Minshew deserves this Pro Bowl honor, but this could affect his future with the Colts.
How a Pro Bowl Honor Could Affect Gardner Minshew’s Future with the Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have many big pieces that will be free agents this offseason, and one of their big free agents is Gardner Minshew. He signed a one-year, $3.5M contract last offseason with the Colts with the hope that he would serve as the backup to Anthony Richardson. However, given the opportunity to start when Richardson went down with an injury, Minshew made the most of it. He proved that he could go up against some of the best defenses in the league. He also showcased that he can put his team in positions to win games.
Because Minshew is a free agent, he has the free rein to go elsewhere. If he stays in Indianapolis, he will continue to serve as the backup to Anthony Richardson. The Colts have made it clear that Richardson is their starter as they look to build the franchise around him. Assuming Minshew does not want to be a backup quarterback forever, he does have two incentives that would push him away from the team.
He Would Have the Potential to Make More Money Elsewhere
Starting quarterbacks typically get paid more than backups. In Minshew’s case, if a team signed him to be their starter, he could make anywhere from $20M – $30M per year. He would not be able to make that much money with the Colts. At best, they could resign him to a $5M – $7M contract. However, the Colts will need cap money for players like Michael Pittman Jr. would need a monetary incentive to resign.
He Would Have the Potential to Play More Elsewhere
Starting quarterbacks usually get more playing time than backups, but they also have a lot more pressure on them than backups. Minshew has never shied away from big moments. He relishes the opportunity to be on the field. After being the Jacksonville Jaguars starter for two years, the number one recruit Trevor Lawrence was drafted to take his place as the starter. In regards to this, Minshew stated in a 2021 interview, “Number two is not an option.” Since being demoted to a backup, Minshew has not had an opportunity to be a starter for the last three years. The question moving forward for him is if he wants another shot at being the number one guy or if he is content to continue to serve as a backup.
Main Image: Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
