Gardner Minshew Could Change His Cardinals Future vs. Cowboys

ARIZONA — The Arizona Cardinals play host to the Dallas Cowboys today, marking what could very well be the final preseason outing of quarterback Gardner Minshew.

Minshew, second-string to starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett, is set to play roughly the first half of tonight's battle at State Farm Stadium according to head coach Mike LaFleur. Kedon Slovis will anchor the second half.

There's typically not much value in preseason games beyond roster evaluation and shaking some rust off, though for Minshew, it could potentially be a defining moment of his Cardinals tenure — and beyond.

Minshew signed as a free agent this offseason on a one-year contract to be the secondary option in the room behind Brissett. Minshew's placement in the pecking order as a backup wasn't up for debate, though the arrival of third-round pick Carson Beck changed the outlook entirely.

Beck — as we previously discussed — will need every opportunity available in either preseason or regular season for the Cardinals to evaluate the rookie passer ahead of next offseason, where the organization could very well entertain another option at football's most important position.

Beck isn't playing tonight due to a ribs injury, though the overall sentiment remains: The Cardinals, whenever possible, will want to see their rookie quarterback.

That leaves Minshew in a precarious position — he's obviously the backup to Brissett while Arizona's front office will need to see Beck in action, leaving the former Pro Bowl passer in somewhat of a purgatory.

Yet uncertainty can bring opportunity, and if Minshew can play well tonight against Dallas, that just might change the outlook of his future in Arizona.

Minshew, by all accounts, would be the most likely trade candidate out of Arizona's quarterback room. Teams typically don't carry three quarterbacks on the active roster, though the organization is essentially forced to do so.

Every year, teams around the trade deadline are looking to rescue their room in some form or fashion. Whether it be replacing a recently injured starter to rescue a playoff push or simply supplementing depth, you'll typically see plenty of buzz and chatter around quarterback moves.

Minshew, thanks to his prior resume, cheap contract and outlook in Arizona, projects as a likely candidate to be moved if/when teams come calling.

When teams begin to explore options, they'll be looking at the most recent film — which will likely be Minshew's performance tonight against Dallas.

A good performance against the Cowboys won't immediately boost his trade value, and a poor outing won't instantly diminish interest from other organizations.

He performed well in Las Vegas, and if he can carry some of that success over tonight, that might just seal his fate as a potential trade target around the league later down the road.