What Indianapolis Colts fans know is that Daniel Jones is going to be the starting quarterback in 2026. After that? Nothing is guaranteed. No one seemingly wants Anthony Richardson in a trade, but that doesn't mean Riley Leonard is absolutely going to be QB2. After all, the team didn't trust him until the last game of the season, the outcome of which was meaningless.
The above hasn't kept general manager Chris Ballard, not known for his acumen in choosing quarterbacks in the NFL draft, from looking at a couple in 2026. Why? That is anyone's guess, as currently, the team has too many quarterbacks.
The latest quarterback to say he has been shown some interest by Indy is Illinois's Luke Altmyer. On Monday, Colts fans learned from NFL insider Tom Pelissero that Indy had visited with North Dakota State's Cole Payton.
Indianapolis Colts are taking at look at Illinois' Luke Altmyer
Altmyer announced the news of a virtual interview with Indianapolis almost accidentally.
While being interviewed by Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated's NFL Draft site, the quarterback said, "I’ve definitely been very busy. I’ve met with the Las Vegas Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and Indianapolis Colts."
To be sure, neither Payton nor Altmyer should be looked at as potential successors to Daniel Jones, either in the short-term or long-term. If that does happen, something very bad has happened. Altmyer and Payton lack certain traits to be elite NFL quarterbacks.
Altmyer doesn't have good arm strength and is a so-so athlete. No traits he has should make Colts fans hopeful of choosing him late in the draft or signing him as an undrafted free agent.
Who Altmyer and Payton could be successors for is Anthony Richardson, of course. After the news broke earlier this offseason that Richardson had requested a trade, the team bringing him back should have been moot. Maybe he has good reasons for wanting out, but the truth is that he does want out.
Chris Ballard needs to trade him, as even if the quarterback is tasked with seeking his own trade, it is the GM who has to actually pull off the deal or release him. Money isn't technically lost either way, though some cap savings are involved if the quarterback is dealt.
The ultimate issue is that while the Indianapolis Colts could be spending time talking to quarterbacks ahead of the 2026 NFL draft, no QB should be looked at to take up a roster spot. Instead, Anthony Richardson's spot should go toward finding an edge rusher or young defensive lineman.
The problem is that Chris Ballard isn't truly building toward the long-term future; he is trying to build toward 2026 in hopes the team makes the playoffs. That should be the only way he keeps his job.
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