Even though the Indianapolis Colts just selected a quarterback with the fourth overall pick two years ago, Anthony Richardson hadn’t proven consistent enough to be trusted for the full-time job. So, this past offseason, Colts general manager Chris Ballard threw some money at Daniel Jones, who, like Richardson, was once a first-round pick.
Jones managed to win the team’s starting QB competition out of training camp, and he never looked back. The man dubbed ‘Indiana Jones’ was playing at a Pro Bowl level, leading Indianapolis to a top-five scoring offense while looking like a surefire playoff contender.
That is, until the 28-year-old suffered a torn Achilles tendon on December 7. Considered one of the toughest football injuries to overcome, odds are Jones won’t be ready to return until roughly the same point in 2026. That means the Colts would have to go 14 weeks without their starting QB, yet Jones isn’t even under contract next year.
While the two sides are sure to revisit contract talks this offseason, the Colts have no choice but to add another QB who can start the balance of the season in 2026. Below, we dive into the best possibilities to replace Jones next season, especially now that the Colts have shown they’re capable of being a playoff contender if they can get above-average play under center.
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Anthony Richardson
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If the Colts’ coaching staff believed in him before, then they may not be ready to give up on a player who will still be just 24 when next season starts. After all, a full, healthy offseason to work on his accuracy and footwork could do wonders for this explosive athlete. The Colts need another QB, and they likely won’t get fair value in return, so they have nothing to lose by keeping him on the roster and hoping Richardson still turns to gold.
Joe Flacco
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Would Shane Steichen, who seems to prefer QBs with mobility, turn back to a statue like Flacco? Our guess is, probably not. Yet, if Indianapolis works out an extension with Jones, then they’ll only need a one-year solution. The Colts know Flacco still has an arm capable of making all the throws, so this could be an affordable way to both help extend Flacco’s career while solving a key need. Yet, we feel like they could do much better than a player who turns 41 in January.
Russell Wilson
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Odds are, this former Super Bowl winner will be looking for his third team in as many seasons. First-round quarterback Jaxson Dart is the future in New York, so Wilson will have to find a new opportunity to play elsewhere. While his mobility has dropped off a cliff in recent years, Wilson showed that he can still launch the occasional moonball, even posting a 450-yard game this season. Coach Steichen may feel like he can still work some magic with Wilson, much like the idea to take another chance on a 44-year-old Philip Rivers, but Wilson is seven years younger.
Kirk Cousins
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Can Cousins land another sizable contract? Of course, this would just be a one-year deal, but a near-guaranteed chance to start indoors for a talented offense with a great schemer could be just what the veteran is looking for. After coming alive for a 373-yard, three-touchdown performance on Thursday night, Cousins showed he still has plenty of life left in his arm.
Aaron Rodgers
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What will Aaron Rodgers do once this season ends? He’s only on a one-year contract with the Steelers, and it feels like either side could find a reason to move on. Rodgers could retire, stick in Pittsburgh, or grow infatuated with a Colts team that appears to be in a better spot to win. Plus, the four-time NFL MVP may fall in love with the chance to play in a climate-controlled environment after spending two seasons in Pittsburgh and New York.
Mac Jones
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The 49ers are attached to Brock Purdy after signing Mr. Irrelevant to a five-year, $265 million contract back in May. Yet, Mac Jones, a former first-round pick, has outplayed Purdy this season. Signed through next season too, the Colts would have to formulate a too good to refuse trade offer to San Francisco, but they could play nice and help a player who’s helped them immensely in 2025 by trading him to a soft landing spot in the AFC.
Kyler Murray
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By benching him for Jacoby Brissett, the Cardinals essentially said they’re done with Kyler Murray. Chances are, he’ll be either released or traded this offseason. While several other teams (possibly the Vikings) could be enamored with the chance to revitalize the career of a mobile former No. 1 overall pick, the Cardinals may prefer shipping him out of the conference.
Plus, the Colts have shown they have plenty of weapons for Murray to thrive with. Coach Steichen has shown he can still lead a solid scoring attack no matter who his QB is, but Murray might be the most talented one he’d get a chance to work with.
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Sports fan since birth. I am also passionate about cars, music, and anything funny. Minnesotan, born and raised. Maybe … More about Andrew Buller-Russ