An NFL insider has suggested that the Indianapolis Colts could be a serious contender for the top quarterback available in free agency this month.
After an unexpected 11-5 season in 2020, the Colts have failed to make the playoffs in the past four years, cycling through three different head coaches during that time. While several factors have contributed to their struggles, the most significant issue has been the quarterback position.
Since 2020, Indianapolis has had five different starting quarterbacks. The team hoped they had found their future franchise QB when they selected Florida star Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, the 22-year-old has struggled to develop his game to the level necessary to be a consistent impact player at the highest level.
Despite this, the expectation for months has been that Richardson would be given another opportunity to progress as the starting QB and leader in 2025. However, NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah recently suggested that the Colts might take a bold step by pursuing a top quarterback to replace Richardson in the coming weeks.
Anthony Richardson’s 2024 stats: 1,814 passing yards, 8 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 61.6 passer rating.
Could the Indianapolis Colts target Sam Darnold in NFL free agency?
“If Darnold becomes available, I’d be very interested to see if the Colts get involved,” Jeremiah wrote on X. “I believe he’s a clear upgrade for a team that needs to win now.”
The Colts pursuing Sam Darnold would be a surprising move this month. If he enters free agency, Darnold is likely to secure a deal that takes up a significant portion of the $35 million Indianapolis has available this offseason. Still, the Colts have a solid roster and have shown promise in recent years with Joe Flacco and Gardner Minshew at quarterback.
Sam Darnold’s 2024 stats: 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 102.5 passer rating.
Signing Darnold to a significant multi-year contract could fuel speculation that Anthony Richardson might be on the trade block. Some quarterback-needy teams, not sold on this year’s draft prospects, would likely inquire about Richardson.
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