Top 3 options to be Anthony Richardson's backup QB for the Colts in 2024

The Indianapolis Colts' top priority this offseason will be getting Anthony Richardson healthy and for him to retake his spot as the team's starting QB.  But another important decision they will have to make is who will be his backup.  Having a veteran behind Richardson worked out for the Colts last year, and I expect […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Sep 24, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) walks with quarterback Gardner Minshew (10) on the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts' top priority this offseason will be getting Anthony Richardson healthy and for him to retake his spot as the team's starting QB. 

But another important decision they will have to make is who will be his backup. 

Having a veteran behind Richardson worked out for the Colts last year, and I expect it to be their priority this year as well. Below are three options that I think the Colts should consider. 

3 backup QB options for the Colts

Gardner Minshew

Jan 6, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew (10) throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Minshew is set to be a free agent and has made it clear he wants to start next season. He has also made it clear that he believes and knows that Richardson is the Colts' franchise QB. If a team out there gives him the chance to start next year, he would probably take that offer before returning to the Colts. But if that offer doesn't come, and the rest of the NFL views him as a top-tier backup QB, the Colts would probably remain near the top of his preferences to call home. 

Tyler Huntley

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (2) scrambles out of the pocket in the second quarter during an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The Ravens led 10-9 at halftime. Baltimore Ravens At Cincinnati Bengals Afc Wild Card Jan 15
Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

If the Colts wanted to grab a backup QB who could provide a high-level mobility threat to backup Richardson, Baltimore Ravens QB Tyler Huntley comes to mind. While the Minshew experience turned out to be a great signing, the offense had to change a lot when going from Richardson to Minshew. With Huntley, it would be a much closer product scheme-wise. Huntley has shown himself to be a solid backup QB when he's been asked to play in place of Lamar Jackson. With the Ravens now paying Jackson top-tier QB money, they could want a cheaper option at QB 2. This, to me, makes it likely that Huntley at least tests the waters this time around, which could land him the backup job with the Colts. 

Mitchell Trubisky 

Jan 6, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

This one may not be received well by fans, but Mitchell Trubisky has already been released by the Pittsburgh Steelers and will be looking for a new team. And I think he should be someone the Colts at least consider as the backup QB. He struggled during his Steelers tenure, but to be fair, their entire offense struggled under Matt Canada. I think Trubisky has a solid balance of mobility and accuracy to be a viable backup QB option. And of the three mentioned here, I think his market value will probably be the cheapest. 

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