Free agent Gardner Minshew could leave the Indianapolis Colts this spring. If that comes to fruition, the team will have to address the quarterback position. Tyler Huntley, who is one of the league’s best backup quarterbacks, makes sense as a replacement.
Huntley will be a free agent this offseason. He has served as a backup to Lamar Jackson for the past four seasons. Due to Jackson’s injury history, the Baltimore Ravens could re-sign Huntley. But if that doesn’t happen and Minshew bolts town, the Colts need to land Huntley.
Colts Should Sign Tyler Huntley If Gardner Minshew Leaves
Will Minshew Take His Talents Elsewhere?
Minshew signed with the Colts last March. He wound up losing a quarterback competition to rookie Anthony Richardson. However, he became the starter after Richardson went down with a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5.
Minshew had a solid season, producing 18 total touchdowns (15 passing and three rushing) while earning the first Pro Bowl nod of his career. More importantly, he led Indianapolis to within one victory of a playoff berth.
Surely, the Colts would love to keep Minshew around. The veteran did a fantastic job, filling in for Richardson and keeping the team competitive. Yet, another team like the Atlanta Falcons or Minnesota Vikings (if Kirk Cousins doesn’t re-sign) could offer him a starting spot. If that’s the case, the Colts could consider Minshew too expensive to bring back.
Huntley’s Career Thus Far
Huntley played his college ball with the Utah Utes from 2016-2019. He was signed by the Ravens after going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft.
“Snoop” has spent his entire career in Baltimore, playing behind Jackson. The Florida native has appeared in 20 games (nine starts) throwing for 1,957 yards and eight touchdowns. His resume also includes 509 rushing yards and three TDs on the ground.
Despite starting only four games during the 2022 season, Huntley was surprisingly named to the Pro Bowl. He was an injury replacement that year for Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen.
Unlike in the past, the Ravens didn’t need Huntley this past season as Jackson was healthy all year. He started just one game (Week 18 against the Pittsburg Steelers) as Jackson rested for the playoffs.
What Huntley Brings to the Table for the Colts
Richardson could’ve had a phenomenal rookie year. Unfortunately, though, he just couldn’t stay healthy. If he goes down with another injury next season, the Colts will need a backup who can step in and help the team win games.
Huntley can be that guy, potentially replacing Minshew. He started the final five games of the 2022 season, including Baltimore’s playoff loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Like Richardson, he’s very mobile, which enables him to make plays with his legs. The Colts wouldn’t be forced to change the playbook if they had to switch from Richardson to Huntley.
If the Colts lose Minshew, the team will show interest in several backups. The list could include guys like Jake Browning and Ryan Tannehill. Yet, Huntley should be the top choice since his game is similar to Richardson’s.
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