Kyler Murray draft
Getty
Kyler Murray was selected #1 overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2019 NFL Draft.
The Indianapolis Colts are yet again having issues at the quarterback position. Following the team permitting Anthony Richardson Sr. toseek a trade, the thought was that Daniel Jones would be signed to a multi-year extension. However, instead of a long-term deal, general manager Chris Ballard used the transition tag on Jones. The transition tag is dangerous because it does not guarantee that Jones will be on the team next season.
While it does tentatively sign Jones to a $37.8 million contract for 2026, any of the 31 other clubs can still submit an offer for him. The Colts will then have an opportunity to match whatever contract Jones is presented with, or else they lose him.
The Colts currently have the fourth-least amount ofcap space for 2026, and there could be several QB-needy teams willing to offer Jones a large contract that the Colts may not be able to contend with.
Jones hasexpressed interest in returning but acknowledged that there is a business aspect to consider. If he is presented with a more lucrative offer, it’ll be up to the Colts to decide how much they value him.
The Colts should have a backup plan in case the Jones deal goes south. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer just presented them with an intriguing alternative.
Kyler Murray Looking at Indianapolis Colts As a Potential Landing Spot
Kyler Murray Stats
GettyArizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray threw for 962 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for 173 yards and another score in five games in 2025.
In an article written by SI’s Albert Breer about the likely landing spot for quarterback Kyler Murray, the Colts were listed as a potential destination. When discussing potential landing spots for Murray, Breer places the Colts and the Atlanta Falcons in a similar boat.
“If the Colts re-sign Daniel Jones, both teams will have rehabbing quarterbacks who will have to really push to be back for the opener, and quarterback-friendly head coaches with strong development track records,”Breer writes. “So if Murray goes to either, he’d get starter reps through spring and summer, perhaps an opportunity to play early in the year, and the chance to reset under Shane Steichen or Kevin Stefanski.”
While most of this is based on conjecture, Breer then ends his piece with “I have heard Murray has an interest in Indy.”
While perhaps not Indy’s top choice, they have shown a tendency to take a chance on former first-round quarterbacks under Ballard, including Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, and, of course, Daniel Jones. Then, Andrew Luck and Anthony Richardson were first-round quarterbacks drafted by the Colts.
History would suggest that Murray has a great chance to be the next slot in the Colts post-Andrew Luck quarterback carousel.
Colts’ Future Starting Quarterback May Already Be In The Building
Riley Leonard Stats
GettyIndianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard threw for 270 yards and scored three total touchdowns against the Houston Texans in Week 18 of 2025.
The Colts quarterback situation is currently all speculation for 2026, but there is a chance that their future starter for 2026 and beyond is already on the roster. While it’s likely that the Colts would bring in a veteran option if Jones left, Riley Leonard would certainly have an opportunity to compete for the number one role.
The Colts’ allowing Richardson Sr. to explore a tradespeaks volumesabout how they feel about Leonard after just his rookie year. Even if the Colts do manage to re-sign Jones, there is no guarantee that he starts the season after coming off a torn Achilles. In that case, the Colts would have an opportunity to see what Leonard can do beyond his lone start against the Houston Texans inWeek 18. Leonard flashed potential last season, and there’s a glimmer of hope within his short tenure that he could develop into the Colts long-term answer.