3 veteran quarterbacks the Indianapolis Colts should pursue
Unless something really weird happens, the Indianapolis Colts will select a quarterback in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. That rookie QB will need a veteran to mentor him and show him what it takes to be a professional.
The Colts have a couple of veterans in 2016 NFL MVP Matt Ryan as well as Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles. However, both players could be released and take their talents elsewhere next season.
The Colts need to sign someone who can either start before the rookie is ready or take over if the youngster struggles or goes down with an injury.
Let's take a look at the three veteran quarterbacks the Colts should pursue this offseason.
Gardner Minshew
Signing Gardner Minshew makes a bunch of sense knowing that he's familiar with new Colts head coach Shane Steichen's offense. Minshew played the last two seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles while Steichen served as the team's offensive coordinator.
Minshew has started 24 games in his career thus far, so he knows a thing or two about life as a starting NFL quarterback.
MINSHEW MANIA! https://t.co/MZAK7sZ2Wl
Minshew was a backup for Philly, though, playing behind star Jalen Hurts. He could be a second-stringer as well with the Colts, helping out whoever the team drafts this year.
Jacoby Brissett
If you've been a Colts fan over the past six years, you're definitely familiar with the name Jacoby Brissett.
Brissett played in Indianapolis from 2017 to 2020, serving as a starter at times and also backing up both Andrew Luck and Philip Rivers.
Jacoby Brissett throwing darts out there 🎯
(via @NFL)
https://t.co/xQOJNGj294
The former Florida and NC State QB spent last season with the Cleveland Browns, starting in place of Deshaun Watson, who served a suspension for sexual misconduct. He threw for 2,608 yards, 12 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Many fans would've loved to see Brissett in Indianapolis last season as he would've been an upgrade over Ryan, Sam Ehlinger, and Foles. Maybe we'll see him sporting blue and white next season.
Teddy Bridgewater
Teddy Bridgewater is the only first-round pick (32nd overall selection in 2014) and a Pro Bowler (selected in 2015) on this list.
After beginning his career with the Minnesota Vikings, Bridgewater has turned into a journeyman over the years. He has spent time with the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and then the Miami Dolphins last season, backing up Tua Tagovailoa. He may not be a Pro Bowler anymore, but he's still one of the league's top backup quarterbacks.
A free agent this offseason, Bridgewater will likely be on the move once again. He would certainly be a solid bridge quarterback for the Colts.