Gardner Minshew Cleared, Healthy, and Set to Hit Free Agency After Late-Season Scare
Gardner Minshew is officially back to full strength-and just in time for what could be a busy offseason for the veteran quarterback.
After stepping in for an injured Patrick Mahomes late in the season, Minshew’s own campaign was cut short with what was initially feared to be a torn ACL. With Mahomes sidelined by a torn Achilles, the Chiefs were counting on Minshew to carry the load down the stretch. But when he went down, the concern was real: two quarterbacks, two major injuries, and a season hanging in the balance.
Fortunately for Minshew, the early diagnosis didn’t stick. Further evaluation revealed the injury was far less severe-a bone bruise to the knee, not a ligament tear.
No surgery, no long-term rehab. Just rest, recovery, and now a clean bill of health.
That’s a big win for Minshew heading into free agency. At 29, he’s entering the offseason as one of several experienced quarterbacks set to hit the open market. His contract is expiring, and with a healthy knee and a full recovery behind him, he’ll be free to sign with any team looking for a proven signal-caller.
And he won’t be alone. The free agent quarterback class is shaping up to be a crowded one, with names like Daniel Jones, Russell Wilson, and Marcus Mariota all expected to be available. Aaron Rodgers is also set to become a free agent, though his future remains clouded by retirement speculation.
Where Minshew fits into that mix will depend on a few factors-most notably, the status of Mahomes. The Chiefs haven’t offered a definitive timeline on Mahomes’ return from his Achilles injury, and that uncertainty could open the door for Minshew to return as a short-term insurance policy, especially given how quickly he rebounded from his own scare.
He’s no stranger to stepping into the spotlight on short notice, and while his stint in Kansas City didn’t go as planned, Minshew’s resilience and readiness could make him one of the more intriguing options for quarterback-needy teams this offseason.
Whether he stays in Kansas City or moves on to a new opportunity, one thing is clear: Gardner Minshew is healthy, available, and ready for what comes next.