The Colts potentially have one of the best quarterback situations in the NFL heading into next season. What will the quarterback room look like in 2018?
Andrew Luck has at a future Hall of Fame level when he’s been healthy, but he hasn’t played in a football game since January 1, 2017. Barring any further setbacks with his surgically-repaired shoulder, Luck will be the starting quarterback on opening day of 2018, but the Colts would be smart to have some Luck insurance on the roster.
Chris Ballard made a brilliant trade to bring in Jacoby Brissett before the beginning of last season, and Brissett saved the season from becoming a total disaster. Colts fans may be split on how well Brissett played in 2017, but he definitely showed the potential to be an adequate NFL starter.
The Colts may be able to get some solid compensation by trading Brissett to a quarterback-needy team this offseason, but having a reliable backup quarterback will be incredibly important with Andrew Luck’s injury history. I’d expect Ballard to keep Brissett on the roster, but there are some other quarterbacks whose future is up in the air as well.
Scott Tolzien will be a free agent this offseason, and I doubt the Colts would want to bring him back after how he played in his one start last season.
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Brad Kaaya ended the season on the active roster in 2017, and he’s under contract for 2018. Kaaya would be one of the most talented third-string quarterbacks in the league if the Colts decide to keep Brissett as the backup, and Kaaya is capable of backing up Andrew Luck if Chris Ballard wants to get some major assets in a Brissett trade.
Phillip Walker has also signed a futures contract with the Colts and will be in Indianapolis’ training camp again next season. Walker is a developmental guy who will probably never make the active roster, but he’s a fine quarterback to keep on the practice squad.
I believe Andrew Luck will be the starter, Jacoby Brissett will be the backup, and Brad Kaaya will bounce back and forth between the active roster and the practice squad next season. Phillip Walker could also have a spot on the practice squad if that is his best option.
The Colts have made some wise investments at quarterback, and they are in great shape at the most important position in sports if Andrew Luck can come back healthy in 2018.
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