After losing Patrick Mahomes for the rest of the season, this gives the current new starting quarterback, Gardner Minshew, a chance to garner interest from several teams. The 2025 season for the Kansas City Chiefs is over, but Minshew has a chance to shine in his debut start at the helm to receive interest in free agency in March. Mahomes has been the ironman for the Chiefs’ offense, but Minshew could turn the page to revitalize his career with a talented squad despite being out of contention for a playoff spot. Originally selected in the sixth-round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Washington State product began his career with the Jaguars, attempting to be an adequate starter for them.
Former Jaguars Draft Bust Gardner Minshew May Receive Notable Interest
Unfortunately, due to injuries and inconsistent play, he didn’t remain as the quarterback moving forward despite recording 2,259 passing yards for 16 touchdowns and five interceptions. Minshew was traded to the Eagles after two seasons since the Jaguars drafted their new starter, Trevor Lawrence, who they believe is the future of their offense. The veteran had a starting opportunity over Jalen Hurts after suffering an injury, but the chance wasn’t enough to secure his backup role. This was until he joined the Colts to help their offense in a Pro Bowl campaign, recording a career-high of 3,305 passing yards.
It caught the eye of Las Vegas, but after a 2-3 start and inconsistency issues, the team benched him in favor of Aidan O’Connell. Minshew returned to the starting role when O’Connell threw four interceptions in one game, but suffered a season-ending injury to put icing on the cake for his 2024 season. Now, the Chiefs aren’t the same, but Minshew could have a strong December and receive interest from these teams.
Next Possible 2026 Teams
Carolina Panthers
At 7-7, the Carolina Panthers will battle it out with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the rest of the 2025 season. No matter what happens, the Panthers should consider bringing in another experienced quarterback to help Bryce Young. Veteran Andy Dalton is too old and can no longer handle duties even as a backup, and his past pre-season performance this year proves that. Minshew might not get an opportunity to start for Carolina, but head coach Dave Canales is never afraid to make changes if Young continues to be inconsistent.
The veteran has a chance to compete for the starting role in Carolina if the Panthers miss the postseason in January. The Panthers have an offense that can be formidable for a few seasons if they re-sign Rico Dowdle to a long-term deal while getting another capable receiver to help alongside rookie standout Tetairoa McMillan. Minshew isn’t going to put up Cam Newton numbers, but he’s an able-bodied quarterback who might be comfortable enough to stay in the pocket to launch it to his offensive weapons.
Indianapolis Colts
The quarterback situation continues to be a good one to watch for the Colts. The team announced that veteran Philip Rivers will be the starter for the next game, but Anthony Richardson is cleared for football activities. Indianapolis might give him a shot to start if they’re convinced that Rivers doesn’t have “it” anymore. However, they’re also more interested in Daniel Jones than Richardson.
The Colts should give Minshew a chance to compete for the starting role at least between him, Jones and Rivers next season (of course, if the old man wants to continue playing).
Miami Dolphins
Meanwhile, many should expect the Miami Dolphins to overhaul their entire organization once the 2025 season is over. Despite them having a slim chance to make the postseason, it won’t happen. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and head coach Mike McDaniel found improvement, but since they have Quinn Ewers waiting in the wings, the Dolphins should sign Minshew as a backup for veteran presence. It gives Ewers a bridge to lean on to develop into the next potential big thing in Miami.
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