The Indianapolis Colts are going to be in the market for a quarterback, again, during the 2023 off-season. They had hoped that Matt Ryan would be the answer to bring some stability to the position for the first time since Andrew Luck was leading the offense, but that wasn’t the case.
Ryan was a turnover machine and proved to be a downgrade from Carson Wentz, who was the starter in 2021 but was traded to the Washington Commanders during the 2022 offseason. That made seven straight years a different quarterback was under center for Indianapolis in Week 1 and 2023 will assuredly be eight.
Who that quarterback will be this season is anyone’s guess. It would not be surprising if the Colts target a rookie with their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Given how the draft order shook out, there is a very high chance one of the top quarterback prospects is still on the board when they go on the clock at No. 4.
A veteran could be their preference given the strength of their roster overall. The offensive line was among the best in the league just two years ago and there are weapons in place. The defense played well throughout the 2022 season as the only missing piece, when healthy, was quarterback production.
If that is the route they opt for, a player such as Geno Smith could be on their radar. Smith had a career renaissance in 2022 with the Seattle Seahawks. He was a starter for the first time since 2014 when he was with the New York Jets and he made the most of his opportunity.
Smith was named a Pro Bowler for the first time in his career, completing a league-high 69.8 percent of his passes. He threw for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns compared to only 11 interceptions. Effective as a runner, too, Smith gained 366 yards with another score on 68 carries.
The West Virginia product put himself in line for a massive payday with his performance. It would be a sizable surprise if he left Seattle, given how long he has been there, but you never know what will happen once free agency begins.
Desperate for a quarterback, the Colts could present Smith with an offer he can’t refuse. At 32 years old, Smith should have a few good seasons left in him, potentially bringing stability and continuity to the position that they have been seeking for years.
