If the Indianapolis Colts understand one thing, it’s the importance of having a reliable backup quarterback.
Anthony Richardson, the 4th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has missed 17 of 34 possible games due to injuries and was benched for two games this season. Over two years, he has completed just 50.6% of his passes with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, adding 10 rushing TDs.
Without Gardner Minshew in 2023 and Joe Flacco this year, the Colts might not have remained competitive in the playoff race. Flacco, who will turn 40 next season, has expressed interest in continuing his career.
This offseason, a host of quarterbacks will hit free agency. Should the Colts explore signing one or even drafting another option?
Notably, Kirk Cousins (36) and Aaron Rodgers (41) could become available if released, while J.J. McCarthy could be a trade target if Sam Darnold stays in Minnesota. Here’s a list of quarterbacks expected to be free agents in 2025:
Free Agent QBs for 2025
(Player name, age at the start of the 2025 season, 2024 team, salary cap hit)
- Sam Darnold (28, Vikings, $5M): Led the Vikings to the NFC No. 5 seed, throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 TDs, and 12 INTs (66% completions). Likely too expensive for the Colts.
- Daniel Jones (28, Vikings, $375K): Signed with Minnesota after being released by the Giants mid-contract. Career passer with 70 TDs, 47 INTs, and 15 rushing TDs. His offseason status bears watching.
- Russell Wilson (36, Steelers, $1.2M): Returned from injury to help Pittsburgh make the playoffs, throwing 16 TDs and 5 INTs. Likely looking for a higher salary after a strong finish.
- Andy Dalton (37, Panthers, $5M): Played five games as a bridge quarterback.
- Justin Fields (26, Steelers, $3.2M): Lost the starting job to Russell Wilson but showed flashes of promise with a dual-threat skill set.
- Drew Lock (28, Giants, $5M): Inconsistent but lit up the Colts in Week 17 with four TDs.
- Jacoby Brissett (32, Patriots, $7.9M): Former Colt who started six games for New England this season.
- Mason Rudolph (29, Titans, $1.1M): Started after Will Levis was benched, throwing 9 TDs and 9 INTs.
- Cooper Rush (31, Cowboys, $2.9M): Filled in for an injured Dak Prescott with 12 TDs and 5 INTs.
- Joe Flacco (40, Colts, $5M): Could be brought back after a solid stint with Indianapolis.
- Jameis Winston (31, Browns, $1.8M): Known for big plays and costly turnovers.
- Mac Jones (26, Jaguars, $2.8M): Stepped in after Trevor Lawrence’s injury, finishing with 8 TDs and 8 INTs.
- Tommy DeVito (27, Giants, $915K): Completed 70.5% of his passes in limited action.
- Taylor Heinicke (32, Chargers, $1.2M): Played in four games with a history of starting experience.
- Marcus Mariota (31, Commanders, $6.5M): Played sparingly in 2024 but has experience as a starter.
- Trey Lance (25, Cowboys, $6.2M): Limited action but still viewed as a developmental prospect.
- Carson Wentz (32, Chiefs, $2.4M): Minimal playing time since 2021 but started Kansas City’s finale.
- Joshua Dobbs (30, 49ers, $2.3M): Played well in limited opportunities at the end of the season.
- Brandon Allen (33, 49ers, $1.5M): Played three games with modest stats.
- Nick Mullens (30, Vikings, $2.2M): Saw limited action, throwing just two passes.
- Kyle Trask (26, Buccaneers, $1.8M): Played in four games but threw just one pass.
- Josh Johnson (39, Ravens, $1.2M): Limited action, throwing three passes.
- Kyle Allen (29, Steelers, $1.2M): Threw one pass in 2024.
Other Free Agents (Did Not Attempt a Pass in 2024)
- Zach Wilson (26, Broncos, $2.7M)
- Jarrett Stidham (29, Broncos, $7M)
- Sam Ehlinger (26, Colts, $1.1M)
- Jimmy Garoppolo (33, Rams, $3M)
- Case Keenum (37, Texans, $3.3M)
- Easton Stick (29, Chargers, $1.3M)
- Jeff Driskel (32, Commanders, $985K)
- Brett Rypien (29, Vikings, $985K)
- Shane Buechele (27, Bills, $560K)
Which direction should the Colts take? A veteran, a young project, or even running it back with Joe Flacco?
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