Colts linked to unexpected QB in free agency due to the uncertainty of the team’s projected 2026 starter, Daniel Jones
NFL insider reports that a high-profile free-agent QB is interested in joining the Colts.
The Indianapolis Colts’ choice to use the transition tag on Daniel Jones has many thinking he is now not set to become a free agent on Monday; that is technically not the case.
The transition tag allows Jones to hit the market and speak to any team he would like, and he can even receive offers. If he were to agree to a contract with a new team, the Colts would have the ability to either match that exact contract or allow him to walk for nothing.
This creates a lot of uncertainty around the Colts and their QB situation in the meantime, so while he is speaking to other teams, they have to consider other options at least. In fact, an NFL insider reported that an intriguing free-agent QB is interested in the Colts ahead of free agency.
Albert Breer shares that Kyler Murray has interest in the Colts ahead of free agency
Albert Breer shared in a recent mailbag that he’s heard former number one overall pick and Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray has interest in the Colts.
“The obvious one, as we said earlier, is Minnesota. Who else? Well, the Jets could potentially give him a shot to start, and the Dolphins might be interested. Getting him at the minimum for a year would make sense for a team carrying all the Tua Tagovailoa money into 2026 (after presumably cutting him). The Colts and Falcons are in a separate category.
If the Colts re-sign Daniel Jones, both teams will have rehabbing quarterbacks who will have to really push to be back for the opener, and quarterback-friendly head coaches with strong development track records. So if Murray goes to either, he’d get starter reps through spring and summer, perhaps an opportunity to play early in the year, and the chance to reset under Shane Steichen or Kevin Stefanski.” – NFL insider Albert Breer
Murray hasn’t been a great starter for the Arizona Cardinals in recent years, so I get that some fans will hear his name and roll their eyes at the thought of the Colts adding him. I do think there are some good reasons that the Colts should at least entertain the idea.
Just looking at the facts of the situation makes it clear that Murray possesses a ton of natural talent. He is a former number one overall pick and a Heisman winner at the QB position for a reason. He definitely is in desperate need of a change of scenery, and the Colts already successfully helped Jones turn around his career. Why couldn’t Shane Steichen have a similar effect on Murray? Let’s also not forget that there is a world where Jones’ injury recovery doesn’t go to plan, and he isn’t ready to start Week 1 of next year.
My last point here, and probably the most important thing to note about Murray, is the fact that he is expected to sign for the league minimum. He would be a cheap investment for the Colts and would be by far the best option other than Jones to play QB next season in Indy that is realistically available for Indianapolis to pursue. So the question is: would you rather have Murray for under $2 million next season or Jones at nearly $40 million?
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