The best veteran QB option the Colts should consider signing after Anthony Richardson’s latest injury may surprise you
This QB could be a solid backup and would annoy one of the Colts biggest rivals
An unfortunate and bizarre injury during pre-game warm-ups landed Indianapolis Colts backup QB Anthony Richardson on the IR. He is now set to be sidelined for at least four weeks. This means rookie Riley Leonard is Daniel Jones’ backup, but the team seems to be leaning towards signing a veteran to slide into that role instead.
I looked at available options and saw the names others have already thrown around as possible signings, such as Taylor Heineke, Desmond Ridder, Brett Rypien, and others. Those names are not the ones the Colts should sign. The best option for Jones’ backup is someone they know well from past AFC South battles, Ryan Tannehill.
The Colts should sign Ryan Tannehill
Tannehill began his career with the Miami Dolphins after he was drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. The same draft in which the Colts held the No. 1 overall pick, and after scouting all of the top QBs, selected Andrew Luck.
Tannehill spent the first six years of his career in Miami before being traded to the Tennessee Titans ahead of the 2019 season. He was acquired as a backup but went on to contribute much more to the franchise.
He started 63 of the 67 games he appeared in with the Titans. He threw for 14,447 yards, 93 touchdowns, and 40 interceptions. His record as a starter with the Titans was an impressive 39-24. He led the team to the playoffs three times and won two playoff games in 2019, helping them advance to the AFC Championship game. During his time there, he excelled in the play-action game and was known for taking what the defense gave him at a high level.
He would be a solid backup and a great fit in Shane Steichen’s scheme. He was out of the league in 2024, so the team would likely need to work him out before making a final decision. It was reported that multiple teams considered signing him this offseason, suggesting he’s still hoping for one more shot in the NFL.
It would also be an added bonus that Titans fans would hate to see their former QB join the Colts. And the two teams will play their second matchup of the season in Week 8, and who knows, maybe Tannehill could get in the game if the Colts blow their divisional rivals out like they did in Week 3.
Ryan Tannehill’s career stats
- 11 NFL seasons
- Record as a starter: 81-70
- 34,881 career passing yards
- 216 touchdowns and 115 interceptions
Indianapolis Colts News
Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips should be a top target for the Colts ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline
The Colts should consider trading for Dolphins former first round pick Jaelan Phillips
