5 Backup Quarterbacks Colts Could Target in Free Agency

The Indianapolis Colts will likely be looking for a veteran to backup Anthony Richardson in 2024.

The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2024 offseason needing to upgrade in multiple areas across the roster. Positions like pass catchers, cornerback, and safety could all use upgrades as the Colts chase their first division title in 10 years.

An underrated position of need for the Colts this spring is backup quarterback. While Anthony Richardson is entrenched as the starter, questions surround who will be QB2 for Indy next season. Gardner Minshew will become a free agent next week after filing in for Richardson when the rookie was lost for the season due to a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder.

The Colts saw first-hand how important the backup quarterback position is when Minshew took over and almost led the team to the playoffs. The days of pocket passers playing the majority of the season are over, as mobile quarterbacks have become more susceptible to injury. 66 different quarterbacks started a game in the NFL in 2023.

The backup quarterback could be addressed in either free agency or the draft. Considering Richardson only has four starts under his belt, the Colts are likely to go the veteran route for their QB2. Here are five backup quarterback options for the Colts, with free agency just a few days away. 

Gardner Minshew - Indianapolis Colts

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Minshew is hitting the free agent market at the perfect time. The veteran quarterback finished the season 305-of-490 (62.2%) for 3,305 yards, 15 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a QB rating of 84.6. Minshew also added 100 yards and three touchdowns on the ground as he earned his first-ever Pro Bowl selection.

The Colts would not have been in playoff contention in 2023 if it were not for Minshew. He kept the offense afloat when Richardson went down and gave the Colts a chance to win in most games. If Minshew were willing to return as the backup, the Colts would likely re-sign him.

However, from conversations between the parties and comments from general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen, it can be inferred Minshew will play elsewhere in 2024. Minshew wants to go to a team where he can battle to be the starter, something he will not get in Indy. Add on his price tag after a Pro Bowl year, and Minshew looks like a long shot to return.

Tyrod Taylor - New York Giants

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One of the most logical options for the Colts at backup quarterback is Tyrod Taylor. Taylor is a 13-year NFL vet who has spent the last two seasons with the New York Giants. In 11 games (five starts) last season, Taylor went 116-of-180 (64.4%) for 1,341 yards, five touchdowns, three interceptions, and a QB rating of 89.1.

Taylor to the Colts makes a lot of sense. He is a dual-threat quarterback whose skill set is closer to that of Richardson's and has proven he can win games in the NFL. The veteran quarterback also has a connection to Steichen, as Taylor was the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers to begin the 2020 season when Steichen was the offensive coordinator.

Expect Taylor to be near the top of the list of backup quarterback options for the Colts. Like Minshew last year, Taylor should be the favorite for the Colts' QB2 in 2024.

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Tyler Huntley - Baltimore Ravens

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Another quarterback who would be a solid fit in Indy is Tyler Huntley. The 2022 Pro Bowler has spent the first four seasons of his career with the Baltimore Ravens as the backup to Lamar Jackson. In 20 games (nine starts), Huntley is 221-of-342 (64.6%) for 1,957 yards, eight touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a QB rating of 79.0. He also has 509 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

Huntley is another dual-threat quarterback with a similar playing style to Richardson. The offense would not have to go through much change if Richardson went down and Huntley had to take over. While Huntley is not as experienced as Taylor, he brings the most athleticism of any quarterback on this list.

At only 26 years old, there is a chance Huntley will want to go to a team where he has the opportunity to start. However, if he is open to a backup role, the Colts would be smart to look into Huntley.

Marcus Mariota - Philadelphia Eagles

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If the Colts want to go for a backup quarterback with plenty of starting experience, Marcus Mariota is an intriguing option. The 30-year-old quarterback spent the 2023 season as the backup quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles after starting 13 games for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022. Mariota went 184-of-300 (61.3%) for 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a QB rating of 88.2 with the Falcons.

Mariota, the former No.2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, is another dual-threat quarterback who would fit well in Steichen's offense. While Mariota is not the quarterback he used to be, he can still play winning football when he has a strong supporting cast. The Colts coaching staff would use Mariota's rushing ability to keep the quarterback run game alive in Richardson's absence.

When compared to the previous quarterbacks listed, Mariota is likely a tier below Minshew, Taylor, and Huntley. But the Colts could do much worse than Mariota, and Steichen should be trusted to get the most out of the veteran.

Josh Dobbs - Minnesota Vikings

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Could the journeyman quarterback who captured the nation in 2023 be on his way to Indy? Josh Dobbs rose to fame last year after starting training camp with the Cleveland Browns and being traded to the Arizona Cardinals before the season began. He started eight games for the Cardinals before being traded again, this time to the Minnesota Vikings, and starting for them.

In all, Dobbs played in 13 games (12 starts) in 2023, going 262-of-417 (62.8%) for 2,464 yards, 13 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a QB rating of 79.5. He also added 421 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. It was a rollercoaster season for Dobbs, who proved he belonged in the NFL.

Dobbs is probably the least likely option of these five for the Colts. Dobbs will want to go to a team where he can compete for a starting job, and the quarterback does not have any connections to the Colts. But if the Colts cannot find a quality backup and Dobbs is still on the market late in free agency, it could be an unlikely match.

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