A 12 months after buying and selling first- and third-round draft picks for Carson Wentz, the Colts have parted methods with their beginning quarterback, reportedly agreeing Wednesday to ship Wentz to the Commanders as a part of a swap of future picks. The ex-Eagles standout wasn’t essentially dangerous in 2021, however his poor end impressed staff proprietor Jim Irsay to headline an inner push for a fast divorce, which immediately saves the Colts $28 million. Now the query is: the place does Indianapolis flip subsequent below middle?

Former sixth-round decide Sam Ehlinger and former Jets fourth-rounder James Morgan are nonetheless within the Colts’ QB room. However with coach Frank Reich and basic supervisor Chris Ballard seeking to return to the playoffs after lacking out in 2021, one other identify will nearly actually be added. Listed below are seven logical targets:

If Carr has his approach, he’ll be a lifelong Raider, quickly handsomely paid on a big-money extension after a strong, if unspectacular, profession in silver and black. New coach Josh McDaniel has additionally dedicated to Carr as his 2022 QB. However for instance contract talks do not go practically as easily as anticipated; Carr, for example, figures to command at the very least $35 million per 12 months on a brand new deal. Is there a state of affairs the place McDaniels would somewhat take a flyer on previous pal Jimmy Garoppolo (and reassess the complete place in 2023) than pay top-10 cash to a QB from one other regime? Possibly. And if that’s the case, the Colts would give Carr an opportunity to leap from one borderline playoff staff to a different, possible with the long-term extension he craves. It is a lengthy shot, however you’ll be able to wager Indy will attempt.

He is likely to be the Colts’ most real looking potential “massive” swing at QB. Whereas new Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell has a optimistic historical past with Cousins, Minnesota brass has each purpose to discover a commerce, with the QB due a whopping $45M in 2022. Like Carr, he is lengthy been a borderline top-10 QB — reliably environment friendly with a superb arm, albeit little postseason success. Now that the Broncos, one other logical touchdown spot, are off the board after their blockbuster Russell Wilson acquisition, the Colts may nonetheless enable the Vikings to ship their QB out of the NFC (and draft a substitute and/or add a less expensive stopgap, like previous buddy Teddy Bridgewater). Indy, in the meantime, can be getting at the very least a slight improve below middle, for 2022 or past.

Jimmy Garoppolo

If Cousins is essentially the most real looking “massive” swing, then Garoppolo might be essentially the most real looking choice typically. The 49ers have all however confirmed they’re going to be dealing the previous Tremendous Bowl starter as they transition to the Trey Lance period, and Garoppolo has confirmed he might be the purpose guard Indy needed Wentz to be in 2021. Be environment friendly. Lean on the run and protection. Get to the playoffs. That is been Jimmy G’s M.O. The problem is, he is hardly ever stayed wholesome (and is presently rehabbing from shoulder surgical procedure), so this transfer — which might contain paying at the very least a few of Garoppolo’s $25M cap hit — comes with a good quantity of threat.

Name him the 1B to Garoppolo in the case of most real looking choices. With Aaron Rodgers locked up in Inexperienced Bay, the Packers will assuredly area — if not hunt down — provides for his or her former first-round decide. And whereas Love is clearly unproven, touting a giant however unrefined arm, he was reportedly a sizzling goal of the Colts again in 2020, when Indy did not have a first-round decide however apparently thought of shifting as much as make him Philip Rivers‘ inheritor obvious. He might not really feel like the precise play to avoid wasting Reich and Ballard’s careers, however perhaps he additionally buys them time because the “first-round QB” they’ve did not land? With no Day One draft decide once more this 12 months, at the very least the 23-year-old Love would give them upside on the place.

Teddy Bridgewater

Teddy has confirmed time and again that he is greatest suited as a top-flight backup and spot starter, however as a bridge to a greater long-term choice, you are able to do worse. The most secure choice in a weak 2022 free-agent QB class, Bridgewater provides a comparatively excessive flooring. He is mainly a much less excitable, explosive model of 2021 Wentz. Which, to be frank, is not all that inspiring however might need to do.

Winston’s greatest house might be in New Orleans, the place the Saints helped shepherd his gradual foray again right into a beginning function, but when the Colts desire upside to stability whereas spending much less, they may look his approach as a one-year flyer and clear path to the No. 1 job. He proved early in 2021 he may be capable to keep away from the turnover sprees that plagued him with the Buccaneers, however he is additionally coming off an ACL tear and performed a full season simply as soon as within the final 5 years. 

Why the heck not? He clearly would not be the one man the Colts add in the event that they purchase him, however Reich had success with Foles throughout their time collectively in Philadelphia, and the Bears‘ veteran backup has quietly been hungry for an additional shot at actual taking part in time. He is due $10.6M in 2022, which is pricey for a No. 2/3 however cheap for a stopgap.