Over the coming days we will be taking a position-by-position look at the Indianapolis Colts roster heading into the offseason, with our lens moreso on what’s ahead and what’s needed at each position group.
Up first, and as always, let’s start with the quarterback position.
Quarterback overview
Anthony Richardson is entering what feels like a make-or-break year for his Indianapolis Colts’ tenure. While the sample size from his 2023 rookie season was small due to a season-ending shoulder injury, in key several key metrics, such as completion percentage and turnover-worthy play rate, he took a big step back in 2024.
GM Chris Ballard said during his season-ending press conference that they needed more consistency from Richardson. In addition to that, he has to prove that he can stay healthy, after again missing time this season with various injuries.
So for those reasons, Ballard said that adding competition for Richardson will be on the Colts’ radar. While I’m sure the hope internally is that Richardson earns the starting job, that won’t be a given like it was at this time last year. Now, in what capacity Ballard adds that competition, whether it be in free agency or with a somewhat early round draft pick, remains to be seen.
“We knew when we took him it was going to be a roller coaster,” Ballard said of Richardson. “The number one thing we have to figure out and have to work through is he’s got to stay healthy. That, to me, is the biggest question.
“We have to have competition at the position because competition makes you better and because he’s not proven he can stay healthy for 17 games.”
One key difference for Richardson this offseason compared to last is that he will enter it healthy and not spending a portion of it rehabbing. He is also going to be working with quarterback biometrics expert Chris Hess this offseason as well. Hess played an important role in Josh Allen’s development.
Becoming more consistent on the short to intermediate and touch passes will be on Richardson’s to-do list this offseason, along with focusing on his technique, specifically his footwork. Shane Steichen continuing to bake the quarterback run game into the offensive gameplan can also help put Richardson in a position to be successful.
Ultimately, the ceiling for this Colts team is going to be determined by the play of Richardson–or whoever the starter is–in 2025.
Who is under contract in 2025?
The only quarterbacks under roster for he 2025 season currently are Richardson and Jason Bean. So along with adding competition for Richardson, at a minimum from a pure numbers perspective, the Colts need more bodies in that room to navigate training camp and the preseason.
Who are the top free agent options?
If the Colts want to explore free agency as their means of bolstering the competition at this position, below are some notable names who are available, according to Over the Cap:
Sam Darnold
Marcus Mariota
Jacoby Brissett
Jimmy Garoppolo
Andy Dalton
Mason Rudolph
Jameis Winston
Justin Fields
Mac Jones
Drew Lock
Zach Wilson
Daniel Jones
What about the NFL Draft?
The Colts hold seven selections in this year’s draft–one in each of the seven rounds. With all of the other position groups that they could justify adding to, I’m not sure how early they’d be willing to draft a quarterback–presumably not in Round 1–but with help from PFF’s big board, here are the top available options in this year’s class:
Cam Ward, Miami
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
Jalen Milroe, Alabama
Will Howard, Ohio State
Riley Leonard, Notre Dame
Quinn Ewers, Texas
Kyle McCord, Syracuse
Kurtis Rourke, Indiana
Max Brosmer, Minnesota
Tyler Shough, Louisville
