NFC East news: Philadelphia Eagles trade for Gardner Minshew

The Philadelphia Eagles have announced a trade for Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew. Philly sent a conditional 2022 sixth round pick to Jacksonville in exchange for the quarterback who was selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter is reporting that the sixth-round pick could become a fifth-round pick if Minshew plays (at least) 50 percent of the offensive plays in three games this season. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network is reporting that Minshew will likely slot in behind veteran Joe Flacco as the Eagles’ third-string quarterback.

However, he could find himself rising up the depth chart. Flacco is only on a one-year deal in Philly and there’s no guarantee that Jalen Hurts will remain the starter.

Minshew has a history as a starter, with a 7-13 record in 2019 and 2020. While the Jaguars’ offense as a whole took a step backwards in 2020, Minshew was a massive surprise in 2019. He finished with a 6-6 record, throwing 21 touchdowns to six interceptions and lead three fourth-quarter comebacks.

Raptor’s thoughts

The addition of Minshew shouldn’t effect the New York Giants right off the bat, and is just a situation we should on which we should keep tabs.

His presence and competitiveness might push Jalen Hurts, but the 2020 second-round pick is secure in his starting job — at least for now. Right now, the move is an example of Eagles’ GM Howie Roseman’s philosophy of collecting developmental players at the quarterback position. After doing so paid off with lucrative trades of Kevin Kolb and Nick Foles (twice), not to mention Foles winning the team’s only Super Bowl title, it would make sense for Roseman to keep adding competitive depth.

Things could get interesting, however, if Hurts struggles and an actual quarterback controversy brews in the City of Brotherly Love.