Confirmed: Colts to Trade For Quarterback With 6,600 Yards, 39 Touchdowns

The Indianapolis Colts are optimistic about Anthony Richardson’s future, and with good reason, given the quarterback’s thrilling performance in his first four NFL games. However, Richardson’s short rookie season highlights the importance of having a reliable backup, especially for a quarterback who relies heavily on mobility and athleticism.

 

This was evident when Gardner Minshew stepped up and nearly led the Colts to the AFC Playoffs in Richardson’s absence. With Minshew now competing for the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting job, the Colts may consider strengthening their depth chart behind Richardson, which currently includes Joe Flacco, Sam Ehlinger, and rookie Kedon Slovis.

Could Indianapolis Colts Trade for Taylor Heinicke?

Former Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback Taylor Heinicke may be on the move. Bleacher Report NFL analyst David Kenyon compiled a list of quarterbacks who could be on the move this summer, mentioning Heinicke as a potential fit for the Indianapolis Colts.

Kenyon noted, “At 31 years old, Heinicke is likely maxed out as a stop-gap starter or an experienced backup. For now, the Falcons could benefit from keeping him around as Penix adapts to the NFL game.

“But a team like the Indianapolis Colts could definitely use an upgrade at the second-string quarterback position.”

Heinicke, who has completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 6,635 yards, 39 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions, is the type of player who could step in immediately and make the Colts more competitive.

Even Heinicke himself seems to acknowledge that his time with the Falcons might be limited after Atlanta signed Kirk Cousins in free agency and drafted former University of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft.

“I can kind of see the writing on the wall,” Heinicke recently said, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It’s nothing I haven’t experienced before. I’m ready to accept my role, whether that’s helping Kirk in any way I can or supporting Mike.”