Free Agency Idea: Could Falcons Sign Colts QB Gardner Minshew?

The Atlanta Falcons need an upgrade at quarterback, but that doesn't mean a big one is in store. What if the Falcons can't acquire Kirk Cousins or Justin Fields?

The Atlanta Falcons seem to have their priorities set at quarterback.

Minnesota Vikings passer Kirk Cousins would be the biggest fish on the open market if he gets there. Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is part reclamation project and part exciting young quarterback. At No. 8, a rookie quarterback is in play, too, though the only way to eliminate uncertainty there would be by trading up.

As the Atlanta faithful anxiously await news under center, it is worth considering what a future without a big-name quarterback looks like. Is striking out in the early days of free agency a doomsday scenario?

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew (10) passing under pressure from Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium / John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

If anything is certain, it’s that Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke won’t be quarterbacking the Falcons in 2024. If Cousins stays home and Fields is sent elsewhere, Atlanta will be tasked with finding a rookie quarterback and ensuring they have as much talent as possible around them.

Part of those resources, though, would probably be spent on a bridge quarterback worth their salt.

In Bleacher Report’s free agency preview, low-cost veterans were viewed as legitimate possibilities.

“Quarterback must be Atlanta’s primary focus in 2024,” Bleacher Report’s scouting staff postulated. “If Cousins or Fields cannot be had, the Falcons will likely turn their attention to the draft. In that scenario, it would still make sense to land a potential bargain free agent like Jacoby Brissett or Gardner Minshew for insurance purposes.

“The Falcons can’t really bank on Ridder or Heinicke successfully mentoring a rookie after watching them flounder on the field in 2023.”

While capable depth is important, especially for an Atlanta team looking to compete for an NFC South title, said quarterback could be starting while the rookie marinates on the bench.

Here, Minshew makes even more sense. He was cast as the Indianapolis Colts backup, but when rookie Anthony Richardson got hurt, he kept them viable, staying alive until Week 18.

Ultimately, Minshew went 7-6 in his starts, throwing for 3,305 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. His expected points added per play mark was higher than Ridder’s, and he beat out Fields by both expected points added and success rate.

Cousins Free Agency: Vikings Decision Coming Soon, Falcons in Limbo

He certainly isn’t the most enticing option, nor does he provide the ceiling of his bigger-named counterparts. But as far as bridge quarterbacks go, Minshew might be the best option on the market, and in all likelihood he’ll be far cheaper, too, allowing talent to be added around a prospective rookie quarterback.

If a Minshew signing is in the works, let it be an exciting one – it means an early-round rookie quarterback is on the way.