This offseason, the Indianapolis Colts will likely add a quarterback to compete with Anthony Richardson. But who will that be?
One possibility is selecting a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. If they go that route, potential targets include Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Ohio State’s Will Howard, or Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke.
If the Colts opt for free agency, they’ll have several choices. Signing a veteran like Daniel Jones, Jameis Winston, Mac Jones, or Taylor Heinicke is certainly plausible.
However, landing Sam Darnold—the top free-agent quarterback—is highly unlikely. He would be well outside the Colts’ budget unless they’re willing to spend tens of millions.
Ultimately, there are multiple realistic options for Indianapolis. Here’s a look at the three most likely candidates.
Most Realistic Quarterback Signings for the Indianapolis Colts in the 2025 Offseason
Drew Lock
Drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2019 draft, Drew Lock has spent the past few years as a journeyman quarterback. However, the former Missouri Tiger could provide some competition for Anthony Richardson in the battle for the starting role.
Last season, Lock played for the New York Giants, completing 59.1% of his passes for 1,071 yards and six touchdowns. Four of those touchdowns came in Week 17 against the Colts, a game in which he threw for 309 yards on 17-of-23 passing and added a rushing score, ultimately crushing Indianapolis’ playoff hopes. As a result, the Colts’ defense is well aware of his capabilities.
Jacoby Brissett
Jacoby Brissett is quite familiar with the Colts, having played for the team from 2017 to 2020. He started 15 games in 2017, stepping in for the injured Andrew Luck, and another 15 in 2019 following Luck’s unexpected retirement.
Since leaving Indianapolis, Brissett has played for the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots. In 2024 with the Patriots, he started five games before being replaced by rookie Drake Maye. If Brissett returns to the Colts this spring, he could compete for the starting role or step in if Anthony Richardson gets injured.
Andy Dalton
Andy Dalton was once among the NFL’s top quarterbacks, earning three Pro Bowl selections during his tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals. However, he has since transitioned into more of a backup and mentor role.
This past season, Dalton started five games for the Carolina Panthers, stepping in when former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young was briefly benched. He finished the year with 989 passing yards and seven touchdowns.
With Joe Flacco, the Colts’ primary backup, set to become a free agent—potentially retiring or signing elsewhere—Dalton could be a logical replacement for the Super Bowl XLVII MVP.
At 37, Dalton seems like a fitting candidate for Indianapolis, especially given general manager Chris Ballard’s history of signing veteran quarterbacks. Under Ballard, the Colts have brought in aging signal-callers such as Philip Rivers (38), Matt Ryan (36), and most recently, Flacco (39) last offseason.
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