Ballard: Colts to hold open competition for starting QB job
The Indianapolis Colts will hold an open competition for the starting quarterback job ahead of next season, general manager Chris Ballard said Tuesday, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.
Indianapolis currently has Anthony Richardson as its starter and will pick up another passer in the offseason. Ballard added the competition "will help up everyone's game," per Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.
The quarterback's style won't matter to Ballard, according to 1075 The Fan's Kevin Bowen.
Ballard has previously expressed his concern about Richardson's health. The signal-caller missed four games in his sophomore season due to injury and was additionally benched for two by head coach Shane Steichen for needing to be at "a higher standard." The 22-year-old played only four contests in his rookie year before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury.
A number of potential starting quarterbacks will be available in free agency this offseason, including Sam Darnold, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Aaron Rodgers. Los Angeles Rams passer Matthew Stafford was also reportedly granted permission to speak with other teams to gauge his trade market.
Indianapolis drafted Richardson fourth overall in 2023. In his two seasons, the quarterback has 2,391 passing yards, 11 passing touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He also has 10 rushing scores.
The Colts finished 8-9 in the regular season and didn't qualify for the playoffs. They hold the No. 14 pick in the 2025 draft.