The Indianapolis Colts are in an unpredictable space this offseason. They had a solid season and were in the playoff hunt until the end of the season. But their potential franchise quarterback is one of the rawest prospects in NFL history and the results match that standing.
While there are flashes of his immense potential, the production hasn’t been very consistent. And, it looks like time is running out for Anthony Richardson. And the latest round of predictions has the Colts going after a replacement in Sam Darnold to take over the starting QB job.
Competition Ends as Indianapolis Colts Predicted To Sign Best Available Quarterback
During the NFL Scouting Combine, general manager Chris Ballard was candid in wanting to create some competition for Richardson to bring the best out of him. For many, that seemed like an indication that Indianapolis would go after a QB later in the draft.
However, according to Sporting News, the competition could come in a much different format. For them, the clear-cut answer for the Colts is Sam Darnold, who might not have another location available to him.
“The Vikings seem prepared to save money on keeping a luxury bridge quarterback and instead roll with second-year first-rounder J.J. McCarthy sooner rather than later. The Rams swapping out trade-rumored Matthew Stafford for a higher-priced and playoff-limited Darnold doesn’t make much sense.”
But, the Colts, with their current structure, match both the requirements and the needs that come with adding Darnold to the mix. The Colts have ample cap space (more than $35 million) and remain lukewarm on Anthony Richardson under offensive-minded Shane Steichen.
“Darnold can win the job there with his downfield pocket passing and provide a real bridge compared to free-agent backup Joe Flacco. Indianapolis isn’t positioned to draft another QB high and needs a solid starting alternative. This would be surprising to many, but on the surface and with the scheme, it tracks.”
After a rough six-year start to his career, Darnold took off last season in Minnesota, finishing with the fifth-highest passing yards and touchdowns in the league with 4,319 and 35 respectively. He finished 12th among all quarterbacks in PFSN’s QB+ metric for the season.
As a result, he ranks as the best available free-agent quarterback, albeit in a diminished class with the likes of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. But, as the 10th-best free agent available, he could bring instant value to the Colts.