2 Reasons why Jacksonville Jaguars must keep Gardner Minshew in 2021

Gardner Minshew provides value to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The backup quarterback is the second most important position in the NFL and having a competent one can be the difference between keeping the team afloat and imploding. Although there will always be a drop in talent between the starter and the backup quarterback, the latter should be able to win a few games and carry the team in case the former goes down with injuries.

Teams around the league know that and are willing to pay good money in order to secure the services of a good backup. This season, the Las Vegas Raiders are paying Marcus Mariota $7.5 million to back Derek Carr up. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints gave Taysom Hill a two-year $21 million extension. It sure is a hefty price tag, but that goes on to show how much teams value the position.

On the other hand, the Jaguars hold Gardner Minshew’s rights for two more years at an affordable rate. The former Washington State quarterback is set to make around $1.8 million and count $2 million against the Jaguars salary cap before his rookie deal expires.

With Minshew on the roster, this Jacksonville team doesn’t have to worry about the backup quarterback position for the next two years.