Riley Leonard’s stellar showing against the Texans in his first career start gives the Colts a lot to think about this offseason
Riley Leonard just might have forced himself into the conversation with Daniel Jones to be the Colts starting QB in 2026.
Hand up, I thought the Indianapolis Colts starting Riley Leonard in Week 18 against a stout Houston Texans defense was a mistake. I thought it was a recipe for disaster to have the rookie have his first start against that defense. I was wrong, and Leonard put on a show in Week 18.
It wasn’t enough to secure the win, as the Colts lost 38-30, but the rookie showed the team a lot of potential with his play. I haven’t been a Leonard believer when it comes to him becoming a full-time starter, but this performance moved me, and I think he gave the team something to think long and hard about this offseason.
Riley Leonard might have just forced the Colts to give him more consideration with QB a mystery ahead of the 2026 season
Leonard ended the game completing 21 of his 34 pass attempts for 270 passing yards and two touchdowns. He also added 21 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown. It wasn’t perfect, though, as he also had a fumble lost and threw an interception. He stepped up to that plate against the NFL’s top defense and didn’t blink, and I think that deserves a lot of credit.
Before this game, I personally didn’t think Leonard would factor into the Colts’ plans at QB at all in 2026. Now I think there needs to be at least a conversation about whether Leonard deserves a shot to compete for the job in camp. I expect Daniel Jones to be brought back this offseason, but I think it would be a mistake to give him a ton of guaranteed money after tearing his Achilles tendon.
Some may disagree, but I honestly think I’d rather have Leonard as the Week 1 starter if it costs more than $25 million annually to bring Jones back to Indy. I think the risk is too significant for the Colts to hitch their wagon to Jones for more than that, and even if I’d like to see Anthony Richardson get another shot, the writing on the wall seems to point towards him being moved this offseason. So who knows, it just might be Riley Leonard’s season in 2026.
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