NFL rumors: Colts signed the perfect QB to back-up Lamar Jackson

The Indianapolis Colts are in desperate need of a quarterback, and they brought in an option who knows head coach Shane Steichen’s offense well.

The Indianapolis Colts have a quarterback conundrum on their hands. They watched as the Carolina Panthers move to the No. 1 spot in the NFL Draft, ahead of the Houston Texans.

Given that, the top two quarterback prospects will be gone with the first two picks, leaving Indianapolis with the third-best option. Not to mention that the top options in free agency are essentially gone.

There is one move they could make — trade for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, but it’s not known if the Colts would seriously consider it, and give him a massive contract.

But on Thursday, the Colts have made an addition to their quarterback depth chart.

According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Colts have agreed to terms with former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Gardner Minshew on a one-year, $3.5 million contract.

Colts bring in Gardner Minshew to address quarterback need

Minshew was an obvious fit for Indianapolis, as he spent the past two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. His offensive coordinator was none other than current Colts head coach Shane Steichen. So, he has an understanding of his offense.

In the past two seasons, Minshew did receive starts on the Eagles in place of Jalen Hurts due to injury. In 2021, Minshew threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns in the team’s 33-18 win over the New York Jets in Week 13 that year. Then, in 2022, he started in Weeks 16 and 17 against the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints, respectively.

Minshew completed 42-of-72 pass attempts for 629 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions in the aforementioned 2022 starts.

As of now, Minshew is the QB1 for the Colts, as they released Matt Ryan from his contract. If Indianapolis were to draft one of the top four quarterbacks, Minshew could realistically be the starter early in the 2023 season. As for fans wondering if they will make a move for Jackson, it’s really not known if they are going to make a move for him, considering it would cost two first-round and a near fully guaranteed contract to acquire him from the Ravens.