The Indianapolis Colts might have tried to go a few different directions when trying to find a quarterback to replace the injured Daniel Jones before landing Philip Rivers. Indy reportedly tried to pry Sam Ehlinger from the Denver Broncos practice squad, for instance. The former Colt said no, and his reason might have exposed a brutal truth.
Ehlinger was drafted by general manager Chris Ballard in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft. The team was still searching for its true long-term QB, but that wasn't expected to be Ehlinger. Instead, the hope was that he would develop into a long-term solid backup. He was trending that way.
He started three games (all losses) for Indianapolis during his four years with the team and wasn't atrocious. He also wasn't overly productive. After his rookie deal ended after 2024, Indy didn't do much to try to bring him back. Instead, Ehlinger signed with the Denver Broncos, was eventually released, but re-signed to the practice squad.
Sam Ehlinger made his stance on the Indianapolis Colts perfectly clear
Still, after Jones was hurt, one of the first calls Ballard made was to see if Ehlinger might be interested in coming back to the Colts. A team can sign a player of another team's practice squad, just as they would a free agent. Instead, Ehlinger said no.
His reason? The Broncos appear to have a better thing going than Indianapolis. Coming back to the Colts may have meant Ehlinger saw some playing time in the final four games. The starter might have been Riley Leonard, but there was no guarantee he would stay that way.
Ehlinger knows head coach Shane Steichen's offense after having been in the system the last two years, so there wouldn't be any time needed to acclimate to what Indy wants to do. Plus, the quarterback might have been able to prove to other teams what he is capable of doing in real games.
According to Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post, when Ehlinger was asked about staying with Denver, the QB said, "We’re really happy here, and enjoy the organization, the path we’re on, and what we’re building. I want to be part of that."
Obviously, Sam Ehlinger meant no disrespect to the Indianapolis Colts, but he clearly believes the Broncos are closer to winning a Super Bowl than Indy. He would rather be a part of the Broncos' practice squad than potentially play real snaps for Indianapolis.
And Ehlinger might be correct. The Broncos' defense is far better than the Colts', and defense wins championships. While quarterback Bo Nix has struggled a bit more this season, he is still on his rookie deal which allows Denver to have a bit more financial flexibility. Every player wants to be on a winning team, and for Ehlinger, he thinks that is Denver rather than Indianapolis.