It’s been an emotional week of football for the Colts to say the least. Between Jonathan Taylor playing his first snaps of the season, him signing an extension, and Anthony Richardson’s injury, Jim Irsay’s job in Indy is far from over. Still, a win over their divisional opponent was a nice cherry on top to end the week. With plenty of season left, what are some potential moves that could be made?
Image: NJ.com
A New QB in Indy?
Many around the league have been criticizing the Jets for not bringing on another quarterback after Aaron Rodgers went down. However, what about the Colts? Sunday against the Titans, the franchise QB went down with injury in the second quarter and didn’t return. Some time removed from the occurrence, it’s been confirmed that Richardson suffered a grade 3 AC joint sprain and will miss 4-8 weeks. Only a rookie, this has already been Richardson’s third time exiting a game with injury.
With the possibility Richardson does miss the next four weeks, there are some notable names still on the market. Of the available options, a Carson Wentz return to Indy makes the most sense. He himself has dealt with a number of injuries throughout his career but he’s still the most athletic option. Wentz would be no means be used in the same way as Richardson, but he does allow Steichen to be flexible given that Wentz could use his legs if needed. Besides this, Nick Foles could be another option should the team choose to go another path.
Still, the team does have Gardner Minshew on the roster whom they seem to be pleased with. Although he’s appeared in all five games this year, he’s only played meaningful snaps in three. In the win against Houston, Minshew went 19 for 23 on 171 yards and a touchdown for a 89.7 QBR. In their OT win against Baltimore, he threw for 227 yards going 27 for 44 with a TD but a less impressive 51.6 QBR. On Sunday, he had 155 yards passing going 11 for 14 for an 89.0 QBR. Minshew may not be a team’s ideal starter, but it’s clear he can win in Steichen’s system.
Image: Indianapolis Colts
Another Contract Extension for Indy?
The Jonathan Taylor contract saga has finally come to a close with the All-Pro back inking a 3 year $42 million extension that includes $26.5 million guaranteed to keep him in Indy. With him locked up, the team could look towards securing Michael Pittman Jr’s future with the club. On the final year of his rookie deal, Pittman will be one of the hotter commodities this upcoming free agency. He may not be one of the first names that comes to mind when thinking about NFL wideouts, but he’s been more than consistent for Colts after being drafted in the second round. Since entering the league, Pittman’s totalled 12 TDs on 258 receptions going for 2,807 yards.
Currently Spotrac is calculating his value to be around $18 million for a per year average. If other execs around the league also believe this to be true, it wouldn’t be a shocker to see him sign a deal similar to Jacksonville’s Christian Kirk. A few years ago, Kirk earned a 4 year $72 million deal that included $37 million guaranteed. Although I don’t expect the numbers to be the exact same, I could see Pittman’s contract being a 4 year extension for $80 million but with around $36 million guaranteed.
For more NFL content click here.
Featured Articles
Featured Writers
