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Colts Considering Signing Free Agent QB Gardner Minshew

Originally posted on NFL Analysis Network
By Kenneth Teape | Last updated 3/16/23

The Indianapolis Colts will be overhauling the quarterback position this offseason. They have looked for quick fixes the last few seasons, singing or trading for veterans and none have panned out as well as they had hoped.

Last year’s acquisition, Matt Ryan, was a disaster. He turned the ball over frequently and wasn’t the upgrade that Indianapolis had hoped he would be over Carson Wentz. Sam Ehlinger and Nick Foles both played very poorly as well, which will lead to major changes.

The Colts are widely expected to select a quarterback with their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. They currently own the No. 4 overall pick, so they may be forced to make a move up to land the quarterback that they want or run the risk of getting the fourth quarterback on their board.

Regardless of what the Colts’ plans are for the draft, they are going to need a veteran to round out their depth chart. Throwing a rookie into the fire right away is not always the best decision and they should have all of their bases covered.

One quarterback that they are reportedly showing interest in is Gardner Minshew. Zak Keefer of The Athletic provided an update, saying that the Colts are looking into signing him. It is easy to connect the dots as Minshew spent the last two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. That is where the Colts got their head coach, Shane Steichen, as he was Minshew’s offensive coordinator for the last two seasons.

Hearing Colts are looking into free agent QB Gardner Minshew. With the Shane Steichen connection — they were together in Philly the last two years, with Minshew making four starts — it makes sense.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 16, 2023

Having someone that knows the system Steichen wants to run will make the transition much easier for the entire team. Minshew can also be a valuable mentor for whichever rookie the Colts end up bringing in as well.

Minshew is one of the better backup quarterbacks available on the market this offseason. He has started 24 games in his career, including four with the Eagles and Steichen the last two seasons. He presents a good bridge option for the Colts until their draft pick is ready to take over the starting role.

This article first appeared on NFL Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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