QB1 Revealed: Colts GM Drops Major Hint About Starting Quarterback at NFL Combine

The first two seasons of quarterback Anthony Richardson’s career have been a series of ups-and-downs. Injuries cut short his rookie season, and the 22-year-old was sent to the bench last season before regaining his starting position.

On Tuesday, Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine that the team would have an open competition for the starting quarterback position between Richardson and another quarterback that the team “will bring in this offseason,” per reporting from NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe.

Richardson, the Colts’ No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is entering the third year of his rookie contract, which runs through the 2026 season and includes a club option for 2027.

Last year, Joe Flacco played eight games for the Colts, starting six. He passed for 1,761 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He is no longer under contract.

Richardson is the only quarterback under contract on the Colts’ 2025 roster.

Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is considered the top free agent at the position this offseason, along with Denver’s Zach Wilson, New England’s Jacoby Brissett and others.

Indianapolis has the No. 14 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and would likely need to move up quite a bit to land one of the draft’s top quarterback prospects like Miami’s Cam Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders.