The Indianapolis Colts No. 1 goal for the remainder of the offseason is finding a long-term option at the quarterback position. They have been scrambling to find one since Andrew Luck shockingly retired ahead of the 2019 season.
Indianapolis has a dubious streak of having a different quarterback under center in Week 1 in seven straight years. That streak will reach eight in Week 1 of the 2023 season, but if things go according to plan, will not extend into 2024.
The Colts thought they were in a prime spot to select a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. They own the fourth pick, but because of moves that have occurred during the offseason, could now be in a perilous state.
The Carolina Panthers made a trade with the Chicago Bears to acquire the No. 1 pick and will almost assuredly select a quarterback. The Houston Texans are picking second and will be picking a quarterback. The Arizona Cardinals are the wild card at No. 3. They won’t be picking a signal caller but could be open to trading down with a team that is.
That would be a worse-case scenario for the Colts, who would be stuck with the fourth quarterback selection. To avoid that, they could make a deal with the Cardinals to move up one spot. Who could they target with that pick? Will Levis has been connected to them. But, former Colts standout Darius Butler would love to see the team land Anthony Richardson.
Richardson is a raw prospect and would need some time to develop. But, his combination of size, skill and athleticism is not something that can be taught. If he harnesses all of that, he has the tools to become a star at the next level.
That kind of upside is certainly intriguing for the Colts, who have to compete with Trevor Lawrence and whoever the Texans pick second overall in their division. If not Richardson, the team still has the option to make a trade for Lamar Jackson.
