One of the best stories from the 2023 season was the play of Gardner Minshew. After the Indianapolis Colts lost Anthony Richardson to a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 4, they were forced to rely on Minshew to save their season. The veteran backup stepped in and helped lead the Colts to a 9-8 record.
While the Colts ultimately fell one game short of the playoffs in the AFC, Minshew helped keep their postseason hopes alive all year, thrilling Colts fans and keeping interest humming for Indiana sports betting.
Minshew finished the season with a record of 7-6, and the 27-year-old QB was eventually named a Pro Bowl alternate after a fantastic season. Recently, we looked at how Minshew ranked among recent Pro Bowl quarterbacks.
But with Richardson set to return to the field in 2024, Minshew could be looking for another home this season. His contract has expired, and he will become a free agent March 13.
Where could Minshew land in 2024 and which teams are the most likely to pursue the journeyman quarterback? Here are hypothetical odds from IndianaBets.com on where Minshew will land in free agency this offseason:
Gardner Minshew Next Team Odds
The odds here are from IndianaBets.com and won’t be found on Indiana sports betting apps.
Colts Best Bet to Keep Minshew
Minshew's most likely landing spot is right back in Indianapolis with the Colts. With Richardson coming off shoulder surgery, the Colts will want a proven backup in case things don't go as planned. Indianapolis knows he fits its offense well, and the Colts can win a lot of games with him under center. The biggest question is if Minshew will want to return to the Colts. After a productive season, Minshew might want to leave for a situation where he can compete for a starting job rather than be a high-end backup QB.
Again, you can't bet on Minshew's next team at sportsbooks like Fanatics Indiana or BetMGM Indiana.
After the Colts, the team with the best odds to land Minshew is none other than the Raiders. After whiffing on Jimmy Garoppolo in free agency last offseason, the Raiders are right back in the quarterback market. And with Las Vegas drafting at No. 13, it’s unlikely it will land one of the top four quarterbacks in the draft. Minshew could be a stop-gap option for the Raiders ahead of the NFL Draft.
Another team in the AFC West that could go after Minshew is the Denver Broncos, who have announced they will release Russell Wilson ahead of free agency. But like the Raiders, the Broncos also draft outside the top 10, and it’s unlikely they will be able to land one of the top passers in the draft. Minshew could offer a solid floor for Sean Payton and the Broncos going into the 2024 season.
But the best bet on the board is the field at +500. As well as Minshew played last season, there aren't many starting jobs available. It might make more financial sense for him to be a highly-paid backup once again, as teams like the Browns, Bengals, Chiefs, and Bills could all be in the market for a strong backup quarterback. With Minshew’s age and all of his starting experience, look for several teams to be interested in bringing him in as a backup this offseason.
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