Would Gardner Minshew benefit from a fresh start in Denver?

After years of throwing darts, it looks like the Jacksonville Jaguars have found a franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence. However, they also have a solid number two quarterback in Gardner Minshew. Although the Washington State product may not be part of the organization’s long-term plans, he’s shown he can play in the NFL. Also, he’s only 25, so there’s a chance may not have reached his ceiling yet. That’s why other teams could be interested in trading for him.

Chris Roling of Bleacher Report recently put together a list of players who are in need of a fresh start with a new team, and the 2019 sixth-round pick popped up. Roling notes that Minshew got Wally Pipped by rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He then cites Jeremy Fowler of ESPN and says that the third-year quarterback wants a shot at a starting job, which won’t happen in Jacksonville.

Roling thinks that Minshew’s desire to compete for a job might not be feasible but notes that he’s posted a 62.9 completion percentage rate and has thrown for 37 touchdown passes with 11 interceptions over the last two seasons. Roling says that the former Cougar could be a low-risk buy for a squad with a quarterback competition. He believes he could be best off landing with the Denver Broncos, where he could join a three-way battle with Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock for the starting job.

Gardner Minshew could actually win the starting job in Denver.

This isn’t the first time someone suggests the Broncos as a potential trade partner for Minshew. After all, Lock hasn’t displayed enough growth over the last two years and looks more interested in practicing his dancing moves than actually playing quarterback in the NFL.  Last season, the 2019 second-round pick completed a subpar 57.3 percent of his passes and threw just 16 touchdown passes and a staggering 15 interceptions.

Meanwhile, Bridgewater has been changed teams several times over the last past few years but hasn’t really thrived anywhere. Sure, he had that outstanding five-game stretch in which he went 5-0 with the New Orleans Saints back in 2019. Other than that, he hasn’t done much of note during his six-year career.

Minshew could indeed benefit from a change of scenery. Also, he can beat both Bridgewater and Lock for the starting job in Denver, but how are the Broncos willing to pay for him? What should the Jaguars demand in exchange for one of the best backup quarterbacks in the NFL? That’s the thing, there must still be some degree of interest for Minshew’s services around the league but teams will most likely try to lowball Jacksonville.

Unless the Jags are offered an early-round pick or an impact player, they are better off keeping Gardner Minshew in 2021. Trevor Lawrence is firmly entrenched as the starter but he’s one injury away from missing time, so the team’s brass needs to make sure they have a competent backup in place. You and most NFL clubs will have a hard time find one who is better than Minshew.