3 veteran quarterbacks Colts can sign to backup Matt Ryan
Frank Reich revealed the Indianapolis Colts may make a move for a veteran backup quarterback, so here are some potential options.
The Indianapolis Colts were very fortunate to land Matt Ryan this offseason. After trading away Carson Wentz, it wasn’t clear where Indy would turn to find its next quarterback.
However, the chaos of this NFL offseason resulted in Matt Ryan landing in the Colts’ lap for just a third-round pick. Ryan will give some security at the quarterback spot for at least the next couple of years.
On the contrary, there isn’t much security for the Colts at the backup quarterback spot. Behind Ryan on the roster are Sam Ehlinger, James Morgan, and Jack Coan.
All are pretty early in their NFL careers, and there’s a great deal of uncertainty surrounding them. In the event that Matt Ryan has to miss time, would Indy be willing to roll with one of these three at QB?
The Colts have not ruled out signing a vet quarterback. Asked about it today, w Nick Foles specifically mentioned in the query, coach Frank Reich said: "We're always looking at who makes this team better at every position. Who are the available veterans? Who can we still sign?"
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) May 13, 2022
Based on Frank Reich’s recent admission that the Colts haven’t ruled out signing a veteran quarterback, it doesn’t seem like Indy would be comfortable giving the keys to this talented team to one of the younger quarterbacks.
If that’s the case, what quarterbacks could the Colts sign that has experience and could help Indianapolis stay afloat in the event that Matt Ryan has to miss games? Here are three.
AJ McCarron could reunite with Matt Ryan
AJ McCarron hasn’t done much in the NFL, but the three-time college national champion has more professional experience than the three quarterbacks behind Matt Ryan combined.
Additionally, he has already spent a small time of his career as Ryan’s backup. McCarron joined the Atlanta Falcons last April but suffered an ACL injury in Atalanta’s second preseason game.
Prior to that, McCarron spent three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, one with the Raiders, and two with the Houston Texans. In his career, he has played in 17 games and started 4.
In those games, McCarron is 2-2 and has completed 62.6% of his passes for 1,173 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. While not an impressive amount of experience, it’s more NFL experience than what Indy currently has and McCarron’s familiarity with Ryan could be a bonus.