Was Gardner Minshew Jaguars’ biggest disappointment in 2020?

Gardner Minshew underperformed for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Many things had to go wrong for the Jacksonville Jaguars to finish the 2020 season with a 1-15 record. Injuries hit them hard and there was certainly a dearth of talent on the roster, but what about their players? Plenty of them had to underperform for them not to be able to win many games, but who was their biggest disappointment this past season?

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes quarterback Gardner Minshew II was the Jaguars’ biggest disappointment in 2020. It’s not easy to select just one player when the team ranked near the bottom of most meaningful offensive and defensive categories this past season. Defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson didn’t play like a first-round pick and left tackle Cam Robinson was inconsistent throughout the year.

However, Minshew failed to meet expectations last season after having a successful rookie campaign. Heading into the 2020 season, the sophomore had the opportunity to become the starting quarterback, but couldn’t seize the opportunity. Instead, he underperformed and missed time with a thumb injury in his throwing hand.

Once Minshew was healthy, he couldn’t get the starting quarterback job back and was relegated to a backup role. All in all, the Washington State product dressed up for nine games and completed 216 of 327 passes for 2,259 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Although those look like solid numbers, the quarterback had a penchant for holding the ball too long, which led him to take 27 sacks.

What’s next for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Gardner Minshew?

There’s a 99.99 percent chance the ‘Jags’ will take Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Minshew’s days as a starter in Jacksonville are over, but he could have a backup role next season. Nevertheless, there will be a new coaching staff in place and it’s uncertain if Minshew will be part of the team’s plans.

Furthermore, this Jacksonville team is set to have $77.61 million in cap space in 2021. They could bring in an experienced backup quarterback in free agency without breaking the bank. That would leave Minshew as the odd man out.

While Minshew could end up becoming a solid back for the Jaguars, they could also move on from him without any meaningful repercussion. Regardless of the outcome, not many expected him to be in this position. That’s is why he was the most disappointing Jaguar in 2020.