Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a serious injury to his lower right leg during Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The non-contact injury, feared to be a torn Achilles tendon, occurred late in the first quarter and forced rookie QB Riley Leonard into action.
This is a worst-case scenario for the team, as a rookie being forced into action before they are ready can hurt development. Jones' history of injuries is well documented. With Anthony Richardson Sr still not able to return to action, Indianapolis will need to search for a suitable, long-term replacement for Jones.
The Colts would be in an all too familiar position of searching for a stopgap solution for what's been a long-term problem. Constantly searching the league for a new QB isn't going to win any Super Bowls. However, that is now the situation Indianapolis finds itself in again.
Indianapolis Colts acquiring Trey Lance makes the most sense
One option could be Los Angeles Chargers backup QB Trey Lance. The former third overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft is on a one-year deal with the Chargers and has athletic ability that the Colts value at the quarterback position. Indianapolis could likely pull off this trade by providing LA with a 3rd-round pick in the 2027 NFL draft that becomes a 2nd rounder should Lance play 70% or more snaps.
Lance has no path to becoming the starter for Los Angeles as long as starter Justin Herbert can stay healthy. This could make a move to the Colts appealing for him. He has the mobility Indianapolis looks for in a quarterback, along with the arm strength to push the ball downfield for playmakers Alec Pierce and Michael Pitman, Jr.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen uses an offensive scheme which would fit Trey Lances' playing style. Steichen designed QB runs and RPO concepts would provide Lance the stage to display his playmaking ability. A team that has lost its' identity must find stability at the quarterback position.
The Colts have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, which would give a young QB like Trey Lance the protection he needs to gain confidence. This could make the Indianapolis offense the situation Lance has been looking for and give him his best chance yet to thrive.
Indianapolis must stop the QB carousel that has shown no signs of stopping. Trey Lance is looking for the right situation to display his abilities. Both sides desperately need to change their situations. Trey could very well be the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts in the near future.