Colts Prepare for Major Quarterback Changes This Offseason

INDIANAPOLIS — As the NFL offseason begins, the Indianapolis Colts are gearing up for significant changes at the quarterback position. General manager Chris Ballard confirmed that the team is focused on adding competition alongside Anthony Richardson, who is set to enter a crucial third year in 2025 after struggling with a 50.6% career completion rate and dealing with injuries.

Ballard noted, “We can’t beat our head against the wall. We’ve got to have competition at the position just for the fact that, one, competition makes everybody better. And then, two, [Richardson] has not proven he can play 17 games.” His comments underline the importance of finding a reliable backup that can push Richardson for the starting role.

The Colts remain committed to Richardson, emphasizing the need for patience with young quarterbacks. Ballard remarked, “We have zero patience as a league with quarterbacks… Every quarterback’s journey and developmental cycle is different.” The Colts believe Richardson can still develop but recognize that additional support is essential.

The search for a veteran quarterback could lead the Colts to consider more moderately priced options in free agency, especially with the tight market expected to drive salaries for top players higher. Names like Marcus Mariota, Mike White, and Baker Mayfield are being discussed as potential fits that could either compete for the starting position or serve as a reliable backup.

One intriguing possibility mentioned by analysts includes a trade for Justin Fields, currently with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fields has shown flashes of brilliance, completing 65.8% of his passes for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns, and a 110.6 passer rating in limited starts last season. His mobility and skill set mirror those of Richardson, making him a strong candidate for the Colts.

However, the Colts’ history of dealing with aging quarterbacks may deter them from pursuing players like Matt Ryan, who struggled in the 2022 season. Instead, they are expected to keep their options open and will likely monitor the market closely.

If the Colts opt to explore the draft for solutions, they may look at mid to late-round prospects such as Ole Miss’s Jaxson Dart or Syracuse’s Garrett Shrader, both of whom have garnered positive attention for their performances. These options could be appealing given Richardson’s injury history, as they would offer potential upside without the pressures tied to a first-round pick.

Ultimately, the Colts are poised for a significant quarterback move in the offseason, with the exact nature of that move still uncertain. It is clear that as the Colts plan for 2025, finding the right fit to either challenge Richardson or support him will be paramount.