A notable NFL insider believes the Indianapolis Colts could be a serious suitor for the top quarterback available in free agency this month.
After an unexpected 11-5 season in 2020, the Colts have missed the NFL playoffs the last four seasons and have had three different head coaches in that time. While there are many reasons for frustration over the last few years, the biggest issue the franchise has not been able to address is the quarterback spot.
Related: Indianapolis Colts rumors identify QB targets in NFL free agency
Since 2020, Indianapolis has had five different starting quarterbacks. Yet, the hope was that they had found a future franchise signal caller when they used the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Florida star Anthony Richardson. Unfortunately, the 22-year-old stud athlete has not been able to evolve his game to the level needed to be a consistent impact player at the highest level.
Nevertheless, the assumption for months has been that the organization will give him another chance to take a couple of steps forward as their starting QB and leader in 2025. However, on Tuesday, NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah suggested the franchise might take a bold step to replace Richardson with a top talent in the next few weeks.
- Anthony Richardson stats (2024): 1,814 passing yards, 8 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 61.6 passer rating
Could the Indianapolis Colts target Sam Darnold in NFL free agency?
“If Darnold gets to the market, I’d be very curious to see if the Colts got involved,” Jeremiah wrote on X. “I think he’s a clear upgrade for a team that needs to win right now.”
The Colts going after Sam Darnold would be a stunning development this month. Furthermore, if he gets to free agency he is likely going to land a deal that takes up a large chunk of the $35 million Indy will have available this offseason. However, they do have a good roster and played well at times the last two years with Joe Flacco and Gardner Minshew under center.
- Sam Darnold stats (2024): 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 102.5 passer rating
Signing Darnold to a huge multi-year deal would definitely stir up speculation that Anthony Richardson could be on the trade block. And some QB needy teams that aren’t in love with the prospects available in this year’s draft will certainly reach out about Richardson.
Related: 6 ideal Sam Darnold landing spots this offseason, including the Indianapolis Colts