According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Eagles have acquired quarterback Gardner Minshew II from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a conditional 2022 sixth-round pick.
That sixth-rounder can become a fifth-rounder if Minshew plays in 50 percent of plays in three games.
In order to make room for Minshew, the Eagles released Nick Mullins (which was going to happen regardless of a trade).
Minshew was originally drafted in the sixth-round of the 2019 draft, and eventually got the starting role after Nick Foles went down with a shoulder injury. Minshew had a solid rookie season, throwing for 21 touchdowns against just six interceptions in 14 games.
However, Minshew took a step back in 2020, throwing 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in just nine games. Following the selection of Trevor Lawrence this past draft, Minshew had virtually no shot of regaining the starting role, making him expendable in Jacksonville.
Minshew is still on his rookie contract, which makes him fairly cheap. He’s set to earn $850,000 this year, and then $965,000 in 2022. That means the Eagles could keep him for another year if they like his development as a backup.
Minshew Will Become The Team’s #3, Not #2, QB
One interesting note is that Minshew won’t be taking taking the QB2 spot over Joe Flacco. Instead, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport, he’ll be QB3 behind Jalen Hurts and Flacco.
Clearly, the team feels Minshew can still undergo development. Perhaps the plan is to try and flip him for a greater return down the road. That feels very Howie Roseman-esque.
All in all, it isn’t hard to get too upset over this trade. The Eagles get a decent, cheap backup quarterback that still has the potential to turn into something better down the road. It also gives Philadelphia an insurance policy over the inconsistent Flacco.
