The backup QB market is heating up.

With multiple top options signing elsewhere, including former Indianapolis Colts QB Garnder Minshew heading to the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Many wonder who Anthony Richardson's backup will be next season for the Colts. 

I'm sure you are asking yourself, "Does Destin think a trade for Justin Fields is an option?" I do not. Although I see why many are intrigued by the potential of Fields backing up Richardson, I'd be very shocked if the Colts are willing to trade draft capital for a backup QB. Especially with them only having seven picks in 2024, as things stand today.

So, I'm keeping my focus on free agency options. Below are three that I think could be good fits for the Colts and what they are looking for.

Backup QB options

Tyler Huntley, Baltimore Ravens

Tyler Huntley from the Ravens is a name many have mentioned for the Colts’ backup QB job. His mobility would undoubtedly be well-received and would help the offense if Richardson had to miss any time next season. 

Minshew had a solid season and helped the Colts finish with an impressive 9-8 record (all things considered). But the offense had to drastically change to fit his skill set, which was so different from Richardson's. Huntley has struggled recently as a passer when too many things are thrown at him. However, Steichen's ability to simplify the offense with a heavy usage of RPOs, for example, could help him significantly. 

My only pushback is the money here. If Huntley is taking a cheap deal, I just assume he would end up back in Baltimore behind Lamar Jackson. So, I think it would cost more than the Colts likely want to spend on a backup QB. 

Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans

If the Colts want a QB with a ton of starting experience for their backup job, look no further than Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill is coming off an impressive tenure as the Titans starting QB before being replaced by rookie Will Levis last season.

As a backup, Tannehill's mobility and success in heavy-play action systems intrigues me. I think Steichen's heavy usage of RPOs would help get the most productive version of Tannehill at this point in his career.

The biggest con for signing Tannehill, though, is that we saw over the last two seasons how bad his deep ball is. He will be closer to Minshew than the other two options in this article. I think the Colts could win games with him, but they would have to drastically change their offense if Richardson had to miss time.

Drew Lock, Seattle Seahawks

So I've decided who I want the #Colts backup QB to be

Some may hate it but Im all in no talking me out of it now

Article coming

— Destin Adams (@TheDestinAdams) March 12, 2024

I bet you didn't see this one coming when I tweeted that, but yes, I was talking about Drew Lock. Lock has spent the last few seasons as Geno Smith's backup for the Seahawks. He has a big arm and above-average mobility.

If Lock had to play, I don't think the Colts would need to change their offense much, which was one of the problems with Minshew last year (like I said in the Huntley paragraph earlier). Lock has also shown that he is willing to take the deep shots that Steichen's offense missed so much with Minshew under center. 

I think Lock could be an incredible fit for Steichen's offense, and he is officially my favorite option for the job. 

Colts 2024 Free Agency Tracker

Live NFL free agency tracker following signings that directly affect the Indianapolis Colts