The Indianapolis Colts will have some impactful decisions to make this offseason with plenty of money to spend. The Colts will have approximately $70 million to spend on talent during the 2024 offseason. Something Indy will have to devote some of that money to is building a good quarterback room.
While Indianapolis started the season with Anthony Richardson as QB1, he got the injury bug early and eventually had his season end with an AC Joint shoulder injury that ended his season. Richardson is reportedly ahead of schedule and will begin throwing soon and should be ready for most offseason activities.
He will be the unquestioned starter Week 1 of the 2024 season. So, the need to improve the current room would be for a backup quarterback as Sam Ehlinger is expected to return as the developmental thrid quarterback. This is arguably one of the most important decisions of the offseason, as the Colts have gone from a re-build to a contender quicker than we expected. Having a reliable and experienced backup next season will be imperative to the success of Indy if Richardson continues to miss games due to the physical nature of his playing style.
Let’s take a look at some of the best backup quarterback options for Indy.
Colts could re-sign Gardner Minshew
This appears to be unlikely now (especially with his surprise Pro Bowl selection). Gardner Minshew will most likely look to find starter money and the playing time that goes with it. He was serviceable this season for the most part but was spotty and inconsistent at times. He is the ultimate game manager and can obviously win you some football games when his number is called.
If he is willing to return to his previous role of backup, then re-signing him is a no brainer due to his knowledge of the current offensive system but don’t get your hopes up. Like an NFL coach, there’s only 32 starting quarterbacks and the opportunity to get the money and the prestige of it will be too much for Minshew to pass up again.
Quarterback options for Colts if Gardner Minshew leaves
Drew Lock
Drew Lock played his 2023 season backing up Geno Smith for the Seattle Seahawks. This is Lock’s second team since getting drafted in the second round of the 2019 Draft by the Denver Broncos. He was sent to Seattle as part of the Russell Wilson trade to Denver.
He has 23 starts in his career and was 1-1 last season filling for Geno Smith. Lock led the Seahawks to a thrilling 20-17 win on Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15. In the game, Lock completed 22-of-33 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown. In the other game he started, he completed 22-of-31 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns but had two interceptions.
He has similar qualities to Gardner Minshew. Lock is unselfish and terrific at game management. He can come in and win you some games in relief if you need him to. If the Colts are without Richardson at all next season, Lock is a suitable reserve.
Quarterback options for Colts if Gardner Minshew leaves
Ryan Tannehill
It appears that the Titans are going to move on from Ryan Tannehill and go with Will Levis. Tannehill is the veteran that every team craves to have in its quarterback room. While his playing style isn’t quite the style that Shane Steichen would want, he makes up for it with his moxy and overall experience.
Tannehill has an 81-70 record as a starter and has two playoff wins. He can also help with the continued development of Anthony Richardson. At age 35, this is the next step in his career if he wants to continue playing.
Jake Browning
While it’s expected Jake Browning will try to sign with a team in need of a cheap starter or a bridge quarterback, this is a name the Colts should inquire about. Browning started nine games this season in relief of Joe Burrow after his season-ending injury. While the 4-3 record doesn’t stand out nor does the 12:7 TD:INT ratio, what did stand out this season were two things: his ability to keep the team in games with proper game management and him completing 70 percent of his passes. Browning did have a slew of competent pass catchers to achieve 70 percent but it’s an impressive stat, nonetheless.