Sam Ehlinger, the QB3 for the Indianapolis Colts, is signing with the Denver Broncos.
Ehlinger, one of numerous Colts free agents leaving Indianapolis, was most notable last season for his mentorship role with Anthony Richardson. The two grew incredibly close, with Richardson frequently leaning on Ehlinger to navigate the ups and downs of the season.
Last year, Ehlinger and Richardson both spoke to the New York Times about their close friendship, with Ehlinger admitting that it's hard not getting the opportunity to play - but that he was willing to sit back for the good of Richardson, and for the team.
“It’s very interesting. It’s very unique because you always want another shot to play, but ultimately, I’m not being asked to play,” Ehlinger said. “I think the best utility of what I could do to serve the team and to serve others and to love others is … to help Anthony and to love Anthony.”
Richardson will undoubtedly struggle without Ehlinger by his side as he prepares to fight for his job, but Ehlinger could likewise have the chance to fight for his own chance to move up in the league.
Sources: The #Broncos are signing former #Colts QB Sam Ehlinger to a 1-year deal.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 31, 2025
He had multiple offers but chose Denver, seeing the best fit with HC Sean Payton and QBs coach Davis Webb, joining a room with Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham. pic.twitter.com/8aaQRpKR4p
It's unlikely that Ehlinger will unseat Nix as QB1, but he could have the chance to move up to QB1 over Jarrett Stidham.
Though Ehlinger was seemingly not considered as an option to compete against Richardson, he had multiple options to choose from when it came to leaving Indianapolis. Ehlinger unfortunately never had much of a real chance with the Colts, potentially killing his career before it really had the chance to start. He also understood that his only chance could be signing with another team, which he has now done.
Will Ehlinger get a new shot to be a starter in Denver, or will he serve as a mentor to Nix the way he did with Richardson? Either way, he seems to be at peace with whatever the NFL throws at hime. “Ultimately, the main objective is to win football games, always, and winning is fun,” he told the New York Times. “But I think what I appreciate the most about the game of football is the man that you can become because of it. I believe that football is just a small microcosm of life, and it’s an opportunity to be put in a unique situation and to see what you’re made of.”