Colts still undecided at QB, hope competition makes both Richardson and Jones better

Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, August 14th 2025 at 9:58 GMT by ProFootball Talk
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Colts head coach Shane Steichen says "everything is being evaluated."

Colts Still Undecided on QB, But Hope Springs Eternal in Indianapolis

The Indianapolis Colts find themselves at a familiar crossroads as the NFL offseason heats up, grappling with one of the most pivotal decisions in franchise history: who will lead the team under center? With the draft looming and free agency whispers growing louder, the organization remains undecided on its quarterback situation, a predicament that has fans and analysts alike buzzing with speculation and anticipation. This uncertainty isn't born out of neglect but rather a deliberate strategy to explore all avenues, ensuring the next signal-caller can propel the team back into playoff contention.

At the heart of the debate is the evaluation of current options versus potential newcomers. The Colts have been here before, cycling through quarterbacks in the post-Andrew Luck era with varying degrees of success. From the veteran stability of Philip Rivers to the brief flashes of Carson Wentz and the steady hand of Matt Ryan, the team has sought a long-term solution without fully committing. Now, as they assess their roster, the front office led by general manager Chris Ballard is weighing the merits of building around a young prospect or opting for a proven arm that could provide immediate impact.

One name that consistently surfaces in discussions is Anthony Richardson, the athletic phenom drafted in 2023. Richardson's raw talent is undeniable—his combination of size, speed, and arm strength draws comparisons to elite dual-threat quarterbacks like Cam Newton. However, his rookie season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just a handful of starts and raising questions about his durability in the league's punishing environment. Team insiders report that while Richardson shows promise in practice, the coaching staff, under head coach Shane Steichen, is still evaluating whether he can stay healthy and refine his decision-making under pressure. Steichen, known for his offensive ingenuity from his time with the Eagles, has expressed optimism, stating in recent interviews that Richardson's ceiling is "through the roof" if he can harness his abilities.

Yet, the Colts aren't putting all their eggs in one basket. The organization is actively scouting the upcoming draft class, which boasts a deep pool of quarterback talent. Prospects like Caleb Williams from USC, Drake Maye from North Carolina, and Jayden Daniels from LSU are generating buzz, and Indianapolis holds a mid-first-round pick that could be maneuvered to secure one of these blue-chip talents. Ballard, ever the draft enthusiast, has a history of bold moves, and sources close to the team suggest they might trade up if the right opportunity arises. The hope is that a new quarterback could inject fresh energy into a roster that's already stacked with defensive playmakers like DeForest Buckner and emerging offensive weapons such as Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr.

Free agency presents another layer of intrigue. The Colts have cap space to spare, estimated at around $70 million, which could lure a veteran like Kirk Cousins or Baker Mayfield. Cousins, coming off an Achilles injury with the Vikings, brings accuracy and experience that could stabilize the offense immediately. Mayfield, fresh off a resurgent season with the Buccaneers, offers grit and playmaking ability at a potentially lower cost. However, the team is cautious about repeating past mistakes with aging quarterbacks, preferring a sustainable build rather than a short-term fix.

This indecision has ripple effects throughout the organization. Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter is adapting playbooks to accommodate multiple scenarios, focusing on schemes that emphasize mobility and quick reads—traits that align with both Richardson's style and potential draftees. Defensively, coordinator Gus Bradley is pushing for a unit that can carry the load if the offense stutters, building on last season's solid performance where they ranked in the top half of the league in points allowed.

Fan sentiment in Indianapolis is a mix of frustration and hope. The city's passionate supporters, still reeling from the abrupt retirement of Luck in 2019, yearn for stability. Social media is abuzz with debates: Should the Colts stick with Richardson and invest in his development, or pivot to a new face? Local sports talk shows dissect every rumor, from potential trades involving disgruntled stars elsewhere to the merits of signing a bridge quarterback like Joe Flacco, who provided a spark last season as a backup.

Looking broader, the Colts' situation mirrors a league-wide trend where quarterback instability can make or break franchises. Teams like the Bears and Patriots are in similar boats, undecided on their paths forward. For Indianapolis, the stakes are high in the competitive AFC South, where the Texans have surged with C.J. Stroud, the Jaguars boast Trevor Lawrence, and the Titans are rebuilding around Will Levis. A wrong choice could relegate the Colts to mediocrity, while the right one might restore them to the glory days of Peyton Manning-led Super Bowl runs.

Despite the uncertainty, there's an undercurrent of optimism in the Colts' camp. Ballard has emphasized patience in building a contender, drawing from his time with the Chiefs where draft hits like Patrick Mahomes transformed the franchise. Steichen, too, brings a fresh perspective, having helped develop Jalen Hurts into a star. The team's recent investments in the offensive line, including stalwarts like Quenton Nelson and Ryan Kelly, provide a strong foundation for whoever steps in.

As the NFL Combine approaches, all eyes will be on Indianapolis—not just as the host city, but as the epicenter of quarterback drama. Workouts, interviews, and medical evaluations will provide crucial data points for the Colts' decision-makers. Will they double down on Richardson, draft a successor, or sign a veteran to mentor him? The answers remain elusive, but the hope is palpable: that this offseason marks the turning point, where indecision gives way to a clear vision for the future.

In the meantime, the Colts are engaging in thorough due diligence. Scouts have been dispatched to pro days across the country, analyzing footwork, arm angles, and intangibles like leadership. Internal meetings reportedly involve heated discussions, with analytics playing a bigger role than ever—metrics on completion percentages under duress, turnover rates, and win probabilities are dissected endlessly. Even ownership, led by Jim Irsay, is involved, though he's delegated much to Ballard while focusing on his health.

The broader implications extend to the team's culture. Players like Taylor, who's coming off a contract extension, have voiced support for clarity at quarterback, knowing it affects their own performance and the team's cohesion. Pittman, a free agent target, might re-sign based on the QB outlook, adding another variable.

Ultimately, the Colts' indecision is a calculated risk in a high-stakes game. Hope isn't just a buzzword; it's the fuel driving this process. Fans cling to memories of past triumphs, dreaming of confetti falling at Lucas Oil Stadium once more. As the offseason unfolds, the resolution to this quarterback conundrum could define the next era of Colts football, turning uncertainty into unbridled potential. Whether through draft magic, free-agent savvy, or internal growth, Indianapolis is poised to make a move that echoes through the NFL. The wait continues, but the excitement builds—after all, in football, hope is the ultimate game-changer. (Word count: 1,048)

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