After the retirement of Philip Rivers and Jacoby Brissett becoming a free agent, who could be the next starting Colts QB?

Jacob Eason, Indianapolis Colts

Eason, the Colts’ fourth round pick in 2020 out of Washington, has little NFL experience. Without a preseason in 2020, Eason has never played in an NFL game. Despite this, if the Indianapolis coaches feel that Eason has developed well under Rivers, there is a good chance that Eason could be the Week 1 starter. If Eason hasn’t shown enough progress, trading for or signing a veteran QB like Andy Dalton could be a viable option in helping develop the Colts offense for the future.

Andy Dalton, Dallas Cowboys

As mentioned above, Dalton could be a very solid option for the Colts. The “Red Rocket” is a free agent in 2021 after signing a one-year deal in Dallas. With the Cowboys most likely resigning star QB Dak Prescott, there is no need for Dalton to stay in Dallas. This opens the door for Indianapolis. Dalton has been a solid quarterback in the NFL since being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011. Contrary to his up-and-down 2020 season, Dalton had many solid seasons in Cincy, including three Pro Bowl appearances (Pro-Football-Reference.com). Dalton would be a solid option for the Colts to help develop Eason while also potentially helping lead a playoff run.

Mac Jones, Alabama Crimson Tide

Jones is a very typical Colts quarterback. A tall pocket passer, Jones resembles former Colts QBs Andrew Luck and Philip Rivers. Picking at 21st overall in 2021, there is a good chance that the star QBs of the draft, including Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, and Trey Lance, are not available. This could set up the Colts to take the Heisman finalist Jones. If the Colts are looking for a fresh start and a young star, Jones would be a great choice in the late first round to set up the future of the franchise.

Kyle Trask, Florida Gators

Another Heisman finalist, Trask and Jones are quite similar. Either of the two could be good scheme fits in Indy and help lead the Colts to a successful future. Trask has a cannon of an arm and is very similar to Andrew Luck and even Peyton Manning. Questions arose around Trask for having such a strong receiving core, with players like Kyle Pitts and Kadarius Toney surrounding him. In addition, many Florida quarterbacks did not have successful NFL careers (take Tim Tebow for example). Despite that, Trask would be an ideal QB for the Colts if they decide to take him late in the first round or in the mid second.

Jalen Morton, Indianapolis Colts

Morton is most likely on the outside looking in on this job. Morton, going into his second year after being undrafted out of Prairie View A&M in 2020, has virtually no chance at the starting job, at the moment. Morton signed with the Green Bay Packers after going undrafted but was cut before the start of the 2020 campaign. On Monday, the Cots signed Morton to a reserves/futures contract, ensuring that Morton will be on the team for training camp in August. The Colts most likely brought Morton in to serve as a backup to their starting QB—whoever that may be—in 2021. With that being said, Morton does have lots of upside. Morton is a scrambling quarterback who likes to get out of the pocket to throw. In addition, according to SI.com, Morton can throw a football 100 yards. That arm strength does come with a downside, as Morton can be inconsistent with accuracy despite his strength. If Morton can piece together his arm strength along with consistent accuracy, Morton could very well be on his way to starting in Indy.