3 bridge quarterbacks the Indianapolis Colts could sign this offseason
The Indianapolis Colts will likely select a quarterback in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. If that happens, the team could start the rookie right off the bat. Or they could bring in a veteran, also known as a “bridge quarterback” who could run the team until the youngster’s ready to take over.
The Colts are expected to finish the season with a top-five pick in the draft. That means someone like Alabama’s Bryce Young (if he slips), Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud or Kentucky’s Will Levis could very well land in Indianapolis.
The Colts have started a trio of quarterbacks this season: Matt Ryan, who has been benched twice, Sam Ehlinger and Nick Foles. All three have struggled and may not be on the roster next year.
Who will be on the Colts’ roster in 2023? Let’s take a look three bridge quarterback candidates.
#1 - Andy Dalton
Andy Dalton was expected to back up Jameis Winston this season. Yet, he wound up becoming the starter for the New Orleans Saints as Winston has only appeared in three games. Dalton has thrown for 2,495 yards, 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
: #LARvsNO on FOX
: Stream on NFL+ bit.ly/3ANb2kDAndy Dalton throws a strike to Juwan Johnson and the @Saints take the lead!
📺: #LARvsNO on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ bit.ly/3ANb2kD https://t.co/zVi0gL67IN
The three-time Pro Bowler was a bridge quarterback for Justin Fields last year with the Chicago Bears. He can now do the same in Indy, serving as a mentor for whoever the team drafts.
#2 - Taylor Heinicke
Undrafted in 2015, Taylor Heinicke has had stints with the Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots (practice squad), Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, the XFL’s St. Louis BattleHawks and his current club, the Washington Commanders. Will Indianapolis be his next stop?
Probably Heinicke’s best play of the game, and one you put in the Heinicke only category, is the rollout throw to Dotson in the red zone.
That took some high level mobility and was a heck of a throw. https://t.co/TVUxkxEnuS
This year, Heinicke has started nine games for the Commanders, who are currently fighting for a playoff spot. Although he has played well at times, the Old Dominion product was recently benched in favor of former Colt Carson Wentz. He could serve as a solid spot starter in Indianapolis, though.
#3 - Sam Darnold
Drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, Sam Darnold was obviously supposed to be the team’s quarterback of the future. Things, unfortunately, didn’t work out in New York, and he has yet to morph into an elite QB in Carolina.
The Colts wouldn’t need him to be a superstar, either. All they would ask of him is to start a few games and take the rookie under his wing and show him the ropes.