The Colts have made the latest addition on the veteran QB market. Indianapolis has agreed to terms on a deal with Gardner Minshew, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (Twitter link).
Pelissero adds that the contract is one year in length and has a base value of $3.5MM, with the potential for more via incentives. His colleague Ian Rapoport tweets that Minshew’s base compensation is fully guaranteed, and that he could earn up to $5.5MM. The $3.5MM is guaranteed, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson tweets. 
The 26-year-old spent the past two seasons with the Eagles, and spent time with then-offensive coordinator Shane Steichen. The latter is now in place as the Colts’ head coach, so this move will give both parties a high degree of familiarity. Minshew is the latest passer to follow the Philadelphia-to-Indianapolis path.
Nick Foles joined the Colts last offseason at the behest of Frank Reich, whose inability to implement a strong passing game during his tenure played a large role in his midseason firing. The Colts have had a revolving door under center for years, and Foles joined Matt Ryan as the latest signal-callers targeted as veteran additions at the position. The latter has been released after he struggled with injuries and underperformed in 2022.
Minshew saw two starts in each of his Eagles seasons, making nine total appearances. Over that span, he posted a passer rating of 92.8, roughly on par with his career figure. He is now three years removed from his time as the Jaguars’ starter coming to an end, but his return to the AFC South could prove to be a good fit.
The Colts gave 2022 sixth-rounder Sam Ehlinger a brief audition amongst their QB uncertainty, but his play in that span did nothing to incentivize the team to look anywhere but at the quarterback position in next month’s draft. Currently holding the No. 4 pick, they will have a prime opportunity to add a long-term solution under center. Whomever is added in the near future, though, they will have an experienced backup behind them on the depth chart.
Gardner is going to be a regular on the McAfee show I bet next year
As a colts fan this is embarrassing. It’s going to frank Reich all over again.
You know they’re gonna draft one of the top QBs right? Minshew is a pretty good backup QB. And if he has to make some starts early in the season, who cares?
I thought so too, but when he got his chance in Philly this year there was a huge drop off from Hurts.
I’m a die hard Eagles fan and I’ll confess I was disappointed with his performance this year as well. However the offense really was built around Hurts’ skillset, and Gardner Minshew is no Jalen Hurts. For most teams I’d say Minshew is a very capable backup
Matthew-it’s not going to be anything like Reich; it’s just a coincidence that we picked a Philly OC; in fact that’s where the similarity ends. Reich had no idea how to call a game; he was predictable, unimaginative, & terrible in crunch time, whether that be 4th down, 4th qtr, or anytime in the Redzone. Steichen developed not only the QB, but tailored his game plan to suit the QB’s skill strengths. Reich never did that; he called the plays he thought would work; & wouldn’t change for nothing or nobody. The Bears May very well have the #1 pick again next year…Carolina’s!!
Indy lucked out here. I hope Minshew gets the chance to start at least six games. Great opportunity. Great signing. Hands off Irsay!
Let Gard start this year and the new rookie QB carry the clipboard. Build the team before the rookie starts.
He’s competent enough to allow the Colts to let the draft come to them at 4 and not have to give up future assets. If the pick ends up Richardson or Levis, you can be more patient with their development.
Well he was in their radar
His rookie season showed that he’s a NFL starter.