Is Gardner Minshew on the trade market this offseason?

As teams are looking for options at quarterback, Jacksonville jaguars Gardner Minshew could be made available. 

It’s no secret that at this point the Jacksonville Jaguars will likely select Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence with the first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Urban Meyer is looking to start his NFL regime off on the right note, and there isn’t a quarterback more polished than the former Clemson product.

The attention then turns to Gardner Minshew, the jort-wearing, mustache aficionado. What’s his status with the Jaguars moving forward?

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport ,the former Jaguars’ starting quarterback could be made available by trade this offseason. Minshew played well enough in his first season for the team to move off Nick Foles one year into his four-year deal.

In 2020, there were times the former Washington State quarterback looked the part of starting-caliber. Although the Jaguars went 1-15 on the year, losing every game after Week 1, Minshew threw for 2,259 yards and 16 touchdowns against five interceptions in nine games on the year.

Should Minshew Mania continue elsewhere?

The biggest question is where does Minshew fit in the equation with the upcoming NFL Draft? While the Jaguars have Lawrence locked up, the New York Jets could be interested in keeping Sam Darnold. If not, expect them to go after BYU’s Zach Wilson or Ohio State’s Justin Fields.

If they keep Darnold, a quarterback will be pushed down to a team looking for the full five-year option.

The same can be said with the Carolina Panthers, who are aggressively trying to add another pocket-passer to the roster. Should they strike out on the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes, they’ll likely trade up for one of the top four names. The Atlanta Falcons also could be looking for the heir to Matt Ryan.

The Washington Football Team seemed like a great destination for any quarterback entering the offseason. They will try to win the NFC East once more with veteran journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick commanding the offense.

As for the Chicago Bears? They added Andy Dalton on a one-year deal worth $10.5 million, meaning he’ll be the starter.

Minshew can be a capable bridge quarterback or even low-end starter. He’s also a fan favorite with his personality and charisma on and off the field. The question is, which team could be interested in adding him, and what role will he possess?

Should he be traded, Minshew Mania could be living a little while longer.