Whether it’s Trevor Lawerence (most likely) or Justin Fields, it’s a safe bet the Jacksonville Jaguars will take a quarterback with the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. That leaves Gardner Minshew II out of the long-term picture, so the team’s brass needs to decide what they will do with the Washington State product.
In 2019, Minshew was 285-of-470 for 3,271 yards, 21 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Heading into the 2020 season, there was a possibility he would continue developing and turn into the long-term solution at quarterback. However, he came crashing down and ended up losing the starting job due to injuries and inconsistency. Once he was healthy, he couldn’t claim the job back and was relegated to backup duties while veteran Mike Glennon got the starting nod.
Glennon is set to become a free agent, and there is no indication he will be back with the team in 2021. Also, the Jaguars have Jake Luton on the roster and could keep grooming him. Meanwhile, Minshew has two years left on his rookie deal and could be Jacksonville’s primary backup this season.
On the other hand, the ‘Jags’ should explore the possibility of trading the third-year quarterback. There currently aren’t any reports the team intends to do so, but no stone should be left unturned. Especially now that the team is going to start. Here are two potential trade destinations for Minshew.
The Miami Dolphins could take Gardner Minshew without a hitch.
The Miami Dolphins currently hold the third overall pick in 2021’s draft. Although they will have the opportunity to use the pick on whichever position group they feel like, they could choose a quarterback, as they may not be fully sold on Tua Tagovailoa, whom they chose in last year’s selection meeting.
Last season, Ryan Fitzpatrick and ‘Tua’ took turns at the quarterback position. However, ‘Fitzmagic’ is set to become a free agent and it’s uncertain the team will bring him back. Head coach Brain Flores recently reaffirmed his support for the Alabama product, but the ‘Phins’ would surely feel more comfortable having a fallback option at quarterback in 2021.
While a second-round selection may be too much in exchange for Gardner Minshew, the Dolphins could offer the Jaguars a middle or late-round pick for the third-year quarterback. In Miami, Minshew would have the opportunity to compete for the starting job and become the team’s primary backup quarterback.
The Dolphins could then use their three first-round select to fortify other position groups such as the wide receiver corps, and both the offensive and defensive lines instead of a quarterback.
The Jacksonville Jaguars would need to get Minshew out of the AFC South.
When it comes to quarterback-needy teams other than the Jaguars themselves, the New York Jets and the Indianapolis Colts come to mind. Nevertheless, Jets’ new head coach Robert Saleh may want to kick the tires on former third overall pick Sam Darnold even if the ‘Gang Green’ takes a signal-caller with the second overall selection in 2021’s draft.
Meanwhile, it would make no sense to send Gardner Minshew to ‘Indy’. Phillip Rivers retired and it’s uncertain whether they’re going to re-sign Jacoby Brissett. Nevertheless, it could come to haunt back the ‘Jags’ if they traded the quarterback within the same division and he ends up thriving. Then again, if Jacksonville thought there’s a chance Minshew could turn into a competent player, they shouldn’t be trading him.
On the other hand, if the Jaguars are interested in trading Minshew, they could give the Detroit Lions a call. Matthew’s Stafford’s current contract runs through 2023, but they can release him and save $14 million with a $19 million cap hit. Head coach Dan Campbell may want to start from scratch and Stafford could benefit from a fresh start somewhere else.
If the Lions end up parting ways with Minshew, they could inquire about Minshew and give him another shot at a starting job or use him as a bridge quarterback if the organization wants to take a quarterback early in the first round of this year’s draft.