The Indianapolis Colts made a pair of notable additions at the quarterback position this offseason. First, Indianapolis signed free agent Gardner Minshew. Then, the team selected Anthony Richardson in the first-round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Richardson is the one garnering the most attention and generating the most hype between the two. And for good reason, of course. But Minshew is already proving to be a valuable acquisition for the Colts this offseason.

Minshew followed new Colts head coach Shane Steichen from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. Minshew was coached by Steichen for the past two seasons as Steichen coordinated the offense in Philly.

Now with the Colts, Minshew is making an impact. He knows the playbook well and is very familiar with the offensive scheme. Therefore, the veteran signal caller is able to share his knowledge with his teammates as the roster learns a new system.

That familiarity played a major role in the Colts inking Minshew to a deal on the open marker. Steichen sees the value that he brings to the team in meetings and on the field.

"Obviously being around him and what I know what he’s capable of, his brain and how it functions – he loves football, and that’s a big part of it," Steichen said this offseason. "It’s a big plus for me to be around a guy that I know personally at that position that knows the system, that I know how he operates, he knows how I operate. It definitely helps.”

Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is among the players on the roster that recognizes what Minshew brings to the table, too. Pierce recently said that Minshew has been a leader since joining the team.

“Just being in (Steichen’s) offense for the last (two years), he really kind of understands what’s going on,” said Pierce. “He’s been a great leader for the offense and a guy that’s kind of really rallied the team, so I’m excited to play with him, too.”

The regular season is still months away, but Garnder Minshew has wasted little time in proving his worth to the Indianapolis Colts. That should only benefit the team in the first year of the Shane Steichen era.

Featured image via USA TODAY Sports