This offseason, the Indianapolis Colts will likely bring in a quarterback to compete with Anthony Richardson. Who will that quarterback be?
The Colts could select a signal-caller in the 2025 NFL Draft. If that’s the case, they could land someone like Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Ohio State’s Will Howard, or Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke.
And there will be plenty of options if they go the free-agent route. Signing a player like Daniel Jones, Jameis Winston, Mac Jones or Taylor Heinicke isn’t out of the question.
Signing Sam Darnold, the top free-agent quarterback, is highly unlikely, though. He’s certainly out of the Colts’ price range unless they’re looking to give out tens of millions of dollars.
Several quarterback candidates make sense for Indianapolis. But here’s a look at the three most realistic options.
Most Realistic Quarterback Signings for the Indianapolis Colts in the 2025 Offseason
Drew Lock
Selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2019 draft, Drew Lock has become a journeyman quarterback over the past few years. Yet, the former Missouri Tiger could give Anthony Richardson a little competition for the starting job.
Lock played for the New York Giants this past season. He completed 59.1% of his passes for 1,071 yards and six touchdowns. Four touchdowns came against the Colts in Week 17 as his Giants shattered Indy’s playoff hopes. Also in that game, Lock completed 17 of his 23 passes for 309 yards and added a rushing touchdown. Therefore, the Colts defense knows all about what he can do.
Jacoby Brissett
Jacoby Brissett knows a thing or two about the Colts. He, of course, played with the team from 2017-2020. He started 15 games during the 2017 campaign, filling in for the injured Andrew Luck. Then he started 15 more contests in 2019 after Luck retired out of the blue.
After leaving Indianapolis, Brissett has had stints with the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots. In 2024 with the Patriots, he started five games before being benched in favor of rookie Drake Maye. If Brissett returns to Indy this spring, he can battle for the starting job or start if Richardson suffers an injury.
Andy Dalton
Once upon a time, Andy Dalton was one of the league’s best quarterbacks. He was a three-time Pro Bowler during his time with the Cincinnati Bengals. But nowadays, he’s more of a backup/mentor.
Dalton started five games for the Carolina Panthers this past season. He filled in for former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, who was benched temporarily. Dalton finished the season with 989 passing yards and seven touchdowns.
Joe Flacco, Richardson’s primary backup this season is set to become a free agent. He will either retire or sign with another team. Dalton could come in and replace the Super Bowl XLVII MVP.
Perhaps the 37-year-old Dalton is the most likely signal-caller to land in Indianapolis. As everybody knows, general manager Chris Ballard loves to sign older quarterbacks. During his tenure with the Colts, he has signed “old men” like Philip Rivers, who was 38 at the time, Matt Ryan (36), and then Flacco (39) last offseason.