Shane Steichen has been the Indianapolis Colts’ head coach for two seasons now, leading them to a 9-8 record in his debut year and an 8-9 record in 2024.
The Colts did so while relying on Gardner Minshew, Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco. Yet, Richardson, despite being the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been so inconsistent that it’s fair to wonder whether he’ll ever develop into a franchise quarterback.
Thus, with Flacco set for free agency, it’s time to consider which quarterback could be joining Richardson on the depth chart next season.
Related: Anthony Richardson set to work with same coach who improved Josh Allen’s accuracy
Indianapolis Colts named potential fit for Daniel Jones
Anthony Richardson has started just 15 games in his young NFL career. In doing so, he’s led his teams to an 8-7 record while completing just over 50 percent of his passes (50.6%). Yet, the Colts need more consistency from their offensive leader.
While the soon-to-be 23-year-old will continue refining his skills over the offseason, the Colts must have a solid backup plan in place. With over $20 million in projected cap space, the Colts should have no trouble adding another option to their depth chart this offseason.
Recently, The Athletic’s James Boyd suggested the Colts should sign former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.
“Ballard made it clear the Colts will bring in another QB to push Anthony Richardson, and my best guess on who that quarterback will be is Daniel Jones. I suspect my No. 1 choice, Justin Fields, will stay in Pittsburgh, making Jones the next-best/most realistic option in free agency because of his dual-threat abilities.
The Athletic on Daniel Jones/Indianapolis Colts
Yes, his tenure with the Giants went up in flames, and he’s only 24-44-1 as a starter, but he still won a playoff game during the 2022 season. His abilities on the ground mean the offense won’t have to change much should Richardson miss more time due to injury. Jones, who turns 28 in May, is obviously flawed, but that’s the reality with just about every QB who becomes available — otherwise they wouldn’t be on the market. The idea of adding another starting-caliber quarterback is geared toward elevating Richardson, so if the 2023 No. 4 pick can’t stop Jones from taking his job, then Richardson was never going to be a franchise QB anyway.”
Jones, who signed a four-year, $160 million contract in March 2023, was benched and released from his team last season. Yet, the former No. 6 overall pick may have simply been in a bad situation and could be a prime breakout candidate as the soon-to-be 28-year-old continues his development too.
Related: 1 bold prediction for every NFL team this offseason, including Indianapolis Colts
