4 NFL teams Eagles can rule out as partners in Gardner Minshew trade

Don’t expect the Eagles’ rival to make a run at Gardner Minshew.

As easy as it is to like former Eagles linebackers coach Ron Rivera, he certainly didn’t endear himself to Eagles fans by signing on as the head coach of one of the three teams that Birds fans hate the most.

A defensive coach by nature, Rivera’s ultimate success in our nation’s capital will, more than likely, hinge on two things, letting a brilliant offensive mind lead on the other side of the ball and finding a true franchise quarterback.

Let’s face it. Unless this team schedules the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 17 games every season, Taylor Heinicke isn’t taking this team anywhere.

The Washington Commanders, as they’re now being called, own the 11th-overall selection in the coming NFL Draft. They have to take a quarterback, don’t they? No, seriously, they’ve got to, right?

Arguments are being made that the Carolina Panthers, though they should probably take a lineman, could go with a signal-caller at the sixth-overall selection. If that theory holds up, Kenny Pickett or Malik Willis could be available at 11. If Carolina decides against taking a quarterback, Pickett and Willis could both be available.

The fact of the matter is this. Commanders owner Daniel Snyder has never been a patient man. It might be time for Rivera to win now. Sure, there’s a chance that Washington could inquire about Gardner Minshew, but it’s a slim one. No one should be surprised if the guys in D.C. go all-in for a proven veteran at the quarterback or they draft one. After all, if we’re being honest, this team has talent and isn’t that far away from putting a very good team together.