The Indianapolis Colts made Anthony Richardson the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping he’d quickly become the team’s franchise quarterback. It hasn’t quite worked out that way, with Richardson only playing in 15 of the team’s past 34 games due to injury.
Even when he has been healthy, Richardson hasn’t been consistent or accurate enough, completing just 50.6% of the 348 passes he’s attempted. The Colts haven’t soured on their 22-year-old QB, but they’re not ready to enter the 2025 offseason with him entrenched as a starting quarterback either.
Recently, Colts general manager Chris Ballard admitted that Richardson would have to compete for the starting quarterback job in 2025. Below, we look at eight potential options to become the Colts’ starter next season.
Related: 2025 mock draft: Who should the Indianapolis Colts draft?
8 QBs who could compete with Anthony Richardson for Indianapolis Colts’ starting job
The Indianapolis Colts can’t afford to enter the 2025 season with Anthony Richardson guaranteed the starting job again. While the Colts hope the former first-round pick takes a leap in his development, they need to have a competent failsafe in place.
So, who could intrigue the Colts at the QB position this offseason? Here’s a look at eight potential solutions.
- Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons: Still under contract after signing a four-year, $180 million contract last offseason, the Falcons are committed to making Michael Penix their starting QB. Cousins could be available via trade or as an eventual free agent. If so, the Colts should consider the accurate four-time Pro Bowl QB this offseason as a bridge option who could still lead a winning effort if needed.
- Jameis Winston, free agent: If the Colts want to ensure their passing attack has a high floor, they should focus on signing this former No. 1 overall pick. He has also battled accuracy issues, but Winston is like Richardson in that he has a rocket arm. Perhaps he could help Richardson refine his approach to at least become a boom-of-bust option like Winston is.
- Justin Fields, free agent: If the Colts want to maintain some mobility, Fields may be the best option out there. He’s one of the most elite rushing QBs in the NFL, but how effective can he be as a passer? Coach Steichen may be intrigued with the former first-round QB.
- Russell Wilson, free agent: The Steelers may still sign the former Super Bowl winner, but if not, Wilson could be a high-potential option for Indianapolis. He still helped lead the Steelers to a playoff appearance in 2024, and he’s a great locker room leader which could help Richardson in other ways as he continues to mature.
- Jimmy Garoppolo, free agent: While he’s no longer viewed as a surefire starter, Jimmy G is still a competent QB and he’s coming off a season spent learning under Sean McVay. Could Garoppolo be in for a bounce-back season?
- Zach Wilson, free agent: The former No. 2 overall pick got a bad rap in New York where quarterbacks go to fail. Yet, Sean Payton still had interest in bringing him to Denver. Perhaps another bright offensive mind like coach Steichen can help the former Jets QB reach his potential.
- Mac Jones, free agent: The former first-round QB comes with 49 games of starting experience, but he’d be the opposite of Richardson as a noodle-armed option without any mobility whatsoever. Still just 26, perhaps he can reach a higher level elsewhere.
- Teddy Bridgewater, free agent: Another former first-round pick, Teddy Bridgewater never got to reach his full potential and suffering a brutal ACL injury may have contributed to his limited ceiling. However, Bridgewater is still a high-end game manager who can do just enough to keep the Colts in contention.
It’s clear the Colts will have plenty of options available this offseason. We don’t envision them investing additional draft capital in the position, but signing a veteran free agent like the names above could make a lot of sense.
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