By: Jake Rajala

The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the biggest darkhorse NFC teams in 2022. They have a third-year quarterback with high expectations in Jalen Hurts, a shiny gifted WR in A.J. Brown, and the former Heisman winner in DeVonta Smith.

Well, it appears that the Eagles sensation will join a new country in West Africa. Per NFL.com, the Eagles will be the first NFL club to enter a market in Africa. The International HMA initiative gives access to international territories for marketing (and other engagement purposes) to create universal growth.

In terms of the Eagles roster changes, they haven’t made much noise since the NFL Draft. It was reported by Section 215 that Minshew Mania was receiving trade buzz. Luckily, the Eagles team hasn’t pushed out one of the best QB2s in the league. The 26-year-old went 1-1 as a starter last season while throwing 4 touchdowns to 1 interception.

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By: Jake Rajala

Gardner Minshew may sadly be the most underrated cemented QB2 in the NFL and the trade mill surrounding Minshew mania could resemble crickets chirping. I believe that Minshew would be a perfect QB fit for one particular, desperate team: Carolina Panthers. With that enunciated, I’m going to untwine three reasons why Minshew and the Panthers would be a perfect marriage.

Great value option

The Browns are seeking a second or third-round pick for the “expensive” Mayfield, so it’s clear that Mayfield is an expensive, shaky option. Meanwhile, Minshew would likely cost the Panthers a fifth or sixth-round pick. If Minshew isn’t an above-average starter, the GM can still rest knowing that he didn’t break the bank for his services. Meanwhile, if Baker burns out for the second straight season, the Browns would have a “Brock Osweiler” situation with an overly expensive, failed project at QB.

Minshew’s Floor

The Panthers can be a competitive team with an “Alex Smith-like QB”. They have CMAC, a terrific WR duo, and an ascending defense. I trust that the former Jags QB that threw 21 passing TDs, 6 ints, and 3,271 passing yds, as a rookie on a mediocre Jags offense can edge out Sam Darnold and potentially allow the Panthers to build around him for a couple of seasons.

Current QB situation

The Panthers are clearly aggressive for a QB upgrade which shows their hail mary attempt at snagging Mayfield. I don’t love the Panthers short-term outlook with Darnold and the third-round pick Matt Corral. If Darnold doesn’t progress, the Panthers rook could definitely have a hard time beating the Buccaneers and Saints in 2022 and it may be wise for the Panthers to be creative in their search for the right veteran QB.

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By: Adam Hulse (@AdamHulseSports)

Gardner Minshew has officially been traded from the Jacksonville Jaguars to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a conditional 6th round draft pick that could become a 5th rounder based on playing time. This news came very shortly after head coach Urban Meyer announced that first overall pick Trevor Lawrence would be the day one starter for the Jags. There was apparently a “quarterback competition” in camp but let’s be honest, it was always going to be Lawrence named as the starter. He is a generational talent that has been labeled “the best QB prospect of all time” by several professional scouts.

The official announcement is what made Minshew available via trade and the Eagles organization did not waste much time in acquiring him. In a corresponding move, third-string QB Nick Mullens was released from the team. Minshew will now likely serve as the backup to starter Jalen Hurts entering the 2021 NFL season but his role could actually mean more than just that. He has proven to be a capable player and has the ability to push Hurts and serve as an alternative option if things don’t work out as planned.

Gardner Minshew: Exceeding Expectations

Though his two seasons with the Jaguars were not great, Minshew demonstrated that he is a capable quarterback at the NFL level. In 23 total games played, he completed 63 percent of his passes for 5530 yards and 37 touchdowns with just 11 interceptions. While these numbers are mediocre, it’s fairly impressive considering the circumstances. He was only a 6th round draft pick out of Washington State and was considered more of a development project at best. He far exceeded those initial expectations and did it on a team with very little offensive talent surrounding him. Furthermore, he lacks the overall athleticism and arm talent of a typical NFL quarterback so it’s encouraging that he was able to overcome that and still find success.

Expected Role with the Eagles

Considering the very low price tag that the Eagles gave up to get him, this trade makes perfect sense for them. He is a safer option than anything they could draft in the 5th or 6th round because he has already proven that he can play at the professional level. The only other quarterback on the roster, besides Hurts, is Joe Flacco. His best days are long behind him and probably are never coming back considering he is already 36 years old. With the Eagles being a rebuilding team right now, Minshew makes a ton more sense than Flacco does as a back up. If the Hurts plan does not work out the way they want it too, they now have a realistic second option in Minshew.

This concept can also provide extra motivation for Hurts now that he knows there is a true backup on the roster behind him instead of just a roster filler and emergency replacement like Flacco. Hurts was decent last season, but he will have to progress as a player this year to gain the confidence from the Eagles organization that he is their long-term solution at quarterback. Last year in his rookie campaign, Hurts eventually took over the starting job from the disaster that was Carson Wentz. Hurts started the final four games of the season but appeared in 15 games total, completing 52 percent of his passes for 1061 yards and six touchdowns against four interceptions.

Based on passing statistics alone, Minshew actually has a much better track record so far. Granted it’s an extremely small sample size for Hurts, but that is definitely something to keep an eye on. Hurts will have to improve his passing numbers this season to show that he can be a starting quarterback moving forward. The thing that Hurts brings to the table that Minshew lacks is athleticism and in particular the ability to contribute in the rushing game. Hurts recorded 63 rushing attempts for 354 yards and three touchdowns last season in his limited role with the team and are expected to be a part of the rushing attack this season by design. In conclusion, Hurts will definitely begin the season as the starting quarterback, but the Eagles now have a “real backup plan” if he does not develop his passing game the way they hope he will.

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By: Pat Pitts

Where Should Minshew be traded?

Minshew Mania ran wild across the NFL in 2019. After Nick Foles suffered a major injury in Week 1, Minshew became the talk of the league as a rookie. How could you not talk about him? Look at his mustache. 

Minshew thrived in the spotlight. He finished the season with 3271 yards and 6 touchdowns. His stats dipped in 2020 when he did not even pass for 2500 yards but still tossed 5 touchdowns. 

His stats did not decline due to his talent; the front office did not put him in a place to succeed. Luckily, there’s a new regime taking over officially on April 29th. 

Unfortunately, he will not be around to be part of it. 

Minshew needs a fresh start. Many NFL teams are looking for the same thing. Allow me to inform you of a few teams that should give Minshew an opportunity to lead them into January. 

Minnesota Vikings

The color purple represents royalty. Minshew brings originality to the throne. 

Gardner Minshew has the opportunity to thrive in an offense that is an upgraded version of his former team. He lines up beside Dalvin Cook. He throws to Adam Theilan and Justin Jefferson. What more could you want? 

The issue with this is the Vikings have a starting quarterback. Kirk Cousins will most likely lead the offense in 2021, but for how much longer? Cousins’ contract expires in 2022. Minshew will be turning 26. 

The same idea as above, but a longer waiting period. Kirk Cousins has been a human highlight reel since 2015. He has thrown under 4000 yards once during that span. He has not thrown under 25 touchdowns since then as well. 

The Vikings may have to pay him if he continues this hot streak. Minshew acts as a safety blanket who can get the job done along with opening up Dalvin Cook’s run game. 

Trading some draft capital for an above-average backup quarterback is not a bad situation to be in if I am the Vikings. 

Washington Football Team

This seems like a no-brainer. Alex Smith rides off into the sunset while Ryan Fitzpatrick strolls into town. There is only so much magic left in the veteran. 

Minshew brings a unique personality to the locker room that becomes infectious. He puts the team before himself, an aspect of Ron Rivera’s coaching style. Allow Minshew to take a year to learn from Fitzpatrick and give him more time to develop his skills before taking on the QB1 role. 

He has everything a young gun could need to be successful in an offense. A whole new world has appeared before him. 

New England Patriots

Are you shocked? 

Gardner Minshew would fit like a glove in New England. His charisma alone gives Bill Belichick a reason to utilize him as a backup. He brings with him another aspect that Belichick loves more than anything, competition. 

Competition brings out the best in people. After a disappointing 2020, Cam Newton needs competition to push him beyond measures. Minshew challenging Cam Newton for the starting QB position would make Gillette a media frenzy come August. 

As a die-hard Patriots fan, I believe it is the safest move the Patriots could make during the draft. As an NFL writer, it gives me a lot more to write about. Count me in. 

Honorable Mention: 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

A thought popped into my mind that had to be shared. 

Tom Brady loves competition, so does Bruce Arians. Competition makes everyone better. 

A wise man once said, “to be the man you have to beat the man.” 

Minshew competing with Brady each week would open a door to a seamless transition of the throne. Tom Brady has to retire at some point. He even knows that. 

Minshew’s age provides him to learn as much as he can from the greatest to play the position before taking over the starting role. He has more than enough around him to be successful. A major difference without having to leave the state of Florida. 

The post Top Trade Destinations for Gardner Minshew: is Minnesota a good fit? appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Tayyib Abu (Twitter: @TayyibAbu1)

For 28 teams, the NFL offseason program is now in full flow. Only four remain in the Super Bowl chase, everyone else is planning for next year. Teams will map out roster moves, personnel decisions and draft strategies over the next few weeks. One of the decisions some teams will make is on the quarterback position. With a new coach and Trevor Lawrence coming to Jacksonville, Gardner Minshew may want out of Duval County. 

Minshew owns two years of NFL experience, although his 2020 season got hit with injury issues. MVP will never appear on Mishew’s resume. However, he can carve a career out in the NFL as a steady bridge quarterback. He can be the moustachioed Case Keenum. 

His QBR for his truncated 2020 season was a decent 52.2, while his career passer rating is a solid 93.1. He is a competent quarterback who can compete in a balanced system. It’s time to assess the possible landing spots for the man responsible for Minshew Mania. 

HOUSTON TEXANS

The Texans are a mess right now. The relationship between Deshaun Watson and the team is dead. Watson will not play for the Texans next year, whether he sits for a year or moves to another team, Houston will need a quarterback. 

Not many will want to go near Reliant Stadium, Minshew has no real choice. If the former Washington State man wants to kick start his career, he won’t have a choice; even if it’s the wretched Texans. Houston cannot afford to let a rookie learn with the awful offense they own. Also, that is contingent on them trading Watson. If he sits out, Houston needs Minshew. 

DENVER BRONCOS

Minshew would cost very little in terms of draft capital, so Denver must consider trading for him. Drew Lock is still an unknown proposition. Now, Lock will start under center for Denver next year. Nonetheless, he is on thin ice; GM John Elway’s invested heavily into the offense. 

Both at the skill positions and offensive line, Lock needs to play competently, or he’ll get benched. Minshew can be a good system quarterback, with those weapons in Denver; he’d look like a starting quarterback. The NFL waits for one; neither should the Broncos management on Lock. 

CHICAGO BEARS

After they made the playoffs, the Bears are out of range to draft a top quarterback. Mac Jones or Kyle Trask should not be starting on day one. With Mitch Trubisky’s abject play coupled with Nick Foles’ ability to stay healthy and consistent; Minshew is an intriguing option for a team going through more quarterback turmoil. Minshew can be the bridge. 

Chicago needs to move on from Trubisky, while Nick Foles isn’t the answer long-term. Ryan Pace needs to cut them loose, draft a rookie and place Minshew as the bridge player. Chicago is not going anywhere; the only way is to reset the quarterback room. 

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The Steelers are another team who won’t be picking high enough to draft a starting quarterback. Ben Roethlisberger will either retire or come back for one more year. He is untradeable. Also, he’s not very good anymore–Neither is Mason Rudolph. 

Pittsburgh released Duck Hodges on Monday, they need a third-string quarterback who could climb to second on the depth chart. Pittsburgh can’t afford to draft a project when he might be required for a game. The Steelers need some experience; with Roethlisberger’s injury troubles, Minshew can be a steady hand in the Steel City. Pittsburgh has plenty of talent at the receiver positions, spending a sixth or seventh as an insurance policy makes a ton of sense. 

NEW YORK GIANTS

The Giants’ playoff hopes got derailed when Daniel Jones got injured. Colt McCoy isn’t good enough to fill in. Given Jones’ propensity to get hurt, New York needs a better backup.

The Giants should not waste cap money on a veteran backup; they must take a young guy that Jason Garrett can develop alongside Jones. 2020 displayed the need for teams to possess a proper insurance policy at quarterback. Minshew is the ultimate insurance policy. 

Garrett is a good play-caller; he could make the offense tick with Minshew. The Giants can run the ball with Saquon Barkley, plus they own a robust offensive line. It’d be an excellent pick up for New York and Minshew. 

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