As we inch toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy values constantly on the move. Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the dynasty rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty value of Gardner Minshew.
Gardner Minshew’s Dynasty Outlook and Value
In a league starved for quarterbacks, it’s shocking that Minshew had to spend two seasons as a backup.
After exceeding all expectations and being forced to start as a sixth-round rookie, Minshew was benched after losing six straight games to begin his sophomore season. I get the need to make a change, but it wasn’t exactly Minshew’s fault.
As a rookie, he threw 21 touchdowns against just six interceptions. He posted six starts with at least 18 fantasy points.
In his second season, Minshew was even better. He scored at least 19 fantasy points in six of his first seven starts.
MORE: Dynasty Rankings 2023 — Top Fantasy Options at Quarterback
Every time Minshew has been given a chance to start, he’s been fantasy relevant. We saw it again this past season when Jalen Hurts missed Weeks 16 and 17. I can’t think of any true quarterback handcuff in recent memory other than Minshew. He stepped in for Hurts and instantly put up Hurts-like numbers, scoring 24.7 fantasy points in his first start.
For his career, Minshew has thrown 44 touchdowns against just 15 interceptions. There are not 32 quarterbacks better than him.
With Minshew finally hitting free agency, I was hopeful he would sign somewhere he could start. I’m not sure if he is any team’s long-term answer at quarterback, but I am sure he’s better than several QBs whose teams thought they could justifiably start last season.
Gardner Minshew’s Fantasy Ranking
Minshew has now landed with the Colts. They are almost certainly going to draft one of Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson, or Will Levis. This could be a situation where Minshew starts Week 1, but the rookie takes over quickly. Or, the rookie could just start Week 1.
Regardless, Superflex league managers should already have Minshew rostered from late in the 2022 season. Signing with the Colts is probably close to the best-case scenario for Minshew.
In single-quarterback leagues, I wouldn’t rule out Minshew having value. He probably won’t be a QB1, but if he can be a high QB2, that will be worth starting for teams as injuries and underperformance rear their ugly heads.
As long as Minshew can play well enough to prove he deserves to be a starter, 2023 could be the start of Minshew having long-term dynasty value, at least in some capacity.
Minshew is just 27 years old. I would already consider him a low QB2 if starting, which is higher than most.
We currently have him at QB47 (No. 403 overall) in our dynasty Superflex rankings. I must admit, that feels low.
Given the state of the QB position in the NFL right now, even if Minshew ends up backing up a rookie, he could find himself in a starting role at some point in the next few seasons. If I can get him as my QB4 in dynasty startup drafts, I’m in.