Colts Part Ways with Veteran Quarterback

The Indianapolis Colts announced on Friday they had released a veteran quarterback.

There has been a singular focus on the quarterback position for the Indianapolis Colts this winter and spring, but one of the players who seemed to get overlooked was veteran Nick Foles.

The Colts announced on Friday they had released Foles.

We have released QB Nick Foles.

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 5, 2023

Despite starting two games for the Colts last season, Foles clearly wasn't in Indianapolis' plans after they signed Gardner Minshew as a free agent. 

Much of the talk during the offseason was when, not if, the Colts would release veteran Matt Ryan and who would they draft with their first pick in the NFL Draft.

Those questions were both answered when the Colts released Ryan in March and drafted Anthony Richardson last week.

It's feasible the Colts could have kept Foles as a third quarterback, but they still have Sam Ehlinger on the roster as well. Foles, Ryan, and Ehlinger all started games last year with varying degrees of success. 

Indianapolis is hoping to get off the quarterback merry-go-round after selecting Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick.

Foles' production mirrored the Colts production during the season, and he struggled in his two starts. He was 25 of 42 passing for 224 yards and four interceptions combined against the LA Chargers and New York Giants, both losses.

After his two starts, Foles was inactive in Week 17 against the Houston Texans, another reflection of the quarterback woes the Colts faced in 2022.

Foles had previously signed a two-year deal with the Colts and will count $1.5 million this year in dead-cap money according to Spotrac. 

Foles is still a solid veteran backup and should find work with another team if he so desires. The 34-year old former Super Bowl champion may decide retirement is a better option.