Getty
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 07: Jalen Hurts #1 and Gardner Minshew II #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles shake hands before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Lincoln Financial Field on November 07, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
A familiar face to Philadelphia Eagles fans could be back in the starting spotlight in 2026.
ESPN recently projected former Eagles quarterback Gardner Minshew as the Indianapolis Colts’ early-season starter next year, as the team navigates Daniel Jones’ Achilles recovery and long-term uncertainty at the position.
For Eagles fans, it’s another reminder of how steady Minshew was during his two-year stint in Philadelphia.
Minshew’s Efficient Run With Eagles
Minshew played for the Eagles from 2021-2022 as the primary backup to Jalen Hurts. In nine total appearances (four starts), he threw for 1,102 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, a 62.5% completion rate, and a 92.8 passer rating.
His Eagles debut remains one of the most efficient first starts in franchise history. In Week 13 of the 2021 season against the Jets, Minshew completed 20 of 25 passes (80%) for 242 yards and two touchdowns, posting a 133.7 passer rating. This was the highest ever by an Eagles quarterback in his team debut.
He also nearly pulled off a Christmas Eve upset of the Cowboys in 2022, throwing for a career-high 355 yards. He also accounted for three total touchdowns in the narrow 40-34 loss.
For a backup, he gave the Eagles exactly what they needed.
Could Minshew Ever Return to the Eagles?
With trade rumors swirling around Tanner McKee, the Eagles’ quarterback depth chart has quietly become a storyline this offseason.
General manager Howie Roseman has repeatedly emphasized how important the backup quarterback position is to the franchise. He cited the team’s history of success with players like Nick Foles and Kenny Pickett stepping in during key moments.
If McKee were moved, the Eagles would need veteran insurance behind Jalen Hurts.
While nothing currently suggests a reunion is imminent, Minshew would represent a logical fit if he doesn’t land a starting job elsewhere.
That said, if Indianapolis brings him in as a starter or high-end bridge option, a return likely becomes unrealistic.
Minshew’s name resurfacing is a reminder of how valuable competent backup play has been to this franchise.
Howie Roseman Leaves Door Open to Drafting a Quarterback
If the Eagles move Tanner McKee, the draft immediately becomes part of the conversation.
Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Howie Roseman made it clear that quarterback will be evaluated based on value.
“It’s staying true to your board,” Roseman said. “You stack the board horizontally and vertically. Then, when you get into the draft, you look where you are and have conversations about this or that at every position, including quarterback.”
That doesn’t guarantee anything, but Roseman’s comments confirm the Eagles are at least open to adding a quarterback.
This year’s draft class is widely viewed as a thin quarterback group. Beyond Fernando Mendoza, there isn’t much consensus. Names like Ty Simpson, Garrett Nussmeier, Taylen Green, and Drew Allar are intriguing, but none are considered sure things.
If McKee is traded, the Eagles could look to pair a Day 3 rookie with a low-cost veteran to round out the room behind Jalen Hurts.