Colts’ dark-horse quarterback option would be a terrific fit

It would not be the craziest thing in the world if the Indianapolis Colts traded for Gardner Minshew to replace Carson Wentz under center.

With the Indianapolis Colts trading Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders, his replacement might be over in the NFC East as well in Philadelphia Eagles‘ backup quarterback Gardner Minshew.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported on Saturday that Minshew is a name to watch if the Colts are unable to trade for a proven starter like Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings. Indianapolis could also look at trading for Jimmy Garoppolo of the San Francisco 49ers, as well as dipping into the bargain bin known as NFL free agency to sign a player like Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota.

It may not be a popular move, but here is why trading for Minshew could be a sneaky good fit.

Indianapolis Colts trade rumors: Gardner Minshew an option at quarterback

Because the Eagles easily won the Wentz trade with the Colts an offseason ago, surely, the Philadelphia brass would welcome another deal with Indianapolis. Though Minshew did not play for Frank Reich, he did spend last year playing for one of Reich’s proteges in Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. While he backed up Jalen Hurts mostly, Minshew is at least a stop-gap in the NFL.

So there is already a baked-in familiarity with the offensive scheme in place. The other interesting component here is he did make some noise in the division during his two-year run as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ starting quarterback. Given that he is only a $2.54 million cap hit and carries no dead-cap at all, this is a great way for the Colts to load up on talent elsewhere in free agency.

Minshew has shown that he can win games in chaotic situations before. More importantly, he can be elevated by the talent around him. Handing the ball off to Jonathan Taylor repeatedly will take a ton of pressure off Minshew in a prove-it year for him in the league. If he balls out, the Colts can re-sign him. Should he struggle, it will only cost the Colts at day-three draft pick and $2.54 million.

There are other options to explore, but they may not be better bang for the buck than Minshew.