Gardner Minshew can beat out Jared Goff

The Detroit Lions could look to acquire a young, talented quarterback without giving up a lot of compensation. Gardner Minshew, also known as Minshew Mania, would be a very ideal trade target for Dan Campbell. The Lions could reel in Minshew and still decide to take a QB early in the 2021 or 2022 NFL draft.

Minshew isn’t only 25 years old, but he has positive experience and production. The Jags QB that was replaced for a “first overall pick” has thrown 41 touchdowns, 5,969 passing yards, and has accumulated a 63.2 completion percentage.

He quietly went 6-6 as a rookie, which is the same win count as Trevor Lawrence and Goff last year combined. There is a lot of different variables in team success, but Minshew is a winner. He makes special plays and he doesn’t come out guns blazing like a “Week 18 Carson Wentz” in a pivotal matchup.

I also believe trading for Minshew would be wise if the Lions don’t plan on drafting a QB with their second overall pick. The motivated, yet patient Lions look like they are going to select Aidan Hutchinson second overall, according to All Lions Fan Nation. Penei Sewell and Hutchinson can be All-Pro type players at pivotal positions for many years to come.

I still really expect the Lions to bring in competition for Goff, who didn’t look deserving of the starting QB role often in 2021. The free agency pool isn’t sexy, to say the least. Jameis Winston will most likely choose the familiar, talented Saints team. I expect Mitchell Trubisky to ride with the Commanders or Steelers. Marcus Mariota will likely sign with the Broncos or Steelers. Minshew is also a clearly easier trade option than the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray, and even Jimmy G.

After the top few signal-callers find a home in free agency, I believe Minshew is the far better option than QBs like Jacoby Brissett and Andy Dalton. The Lions really need to win more ball games in 2022. Campbell’s emotion might be captivating and the Lions truly made the right moves last offseason, but it’s time to turn the lever up a notch and it would help to be creative at the mediocre QB spot. The Lions should send a late-round pick to acquire the young, polarizing Philly QB.