The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2026 season with one of the NFL’s most intriguing quarterback rooms. Rather than relying on a single established franchise quarterback, Indianapolis has assembled a diverse group of veterans and young talent that brings experience, athleticism, and developmental upside.

Veteran Daniel Jones enters training camp as the likely starter after arriving in Indianapolis looking to revive his career. Former first-round pick Anthony Richardson remains one of the league’s most physically gifted quarterbacks, while rookie Riley Leonard represents the future with his dual-threat skill set. Veteran Easton Stick rounds out the room as a reliable backup who brings valuable experience and leadership.

With head coach Shane Steichen known for maximizing quarterback talent, this competition could define the Colts’ season and shape the franchise’s future.

Daniel Jones

Quarterback | No. 17

• Height: 6-foot-5
• Weight: 230 pounds
• Age: 29
• NFL Experience: 8th Season
• College: Duke

College Career

Daniel Jones became one of the ACC’s most productive quarterbacks during his four-year career at Duke under head coach David Cutcliffe, one of football’s premier quarterback developers. Jones steadily improved each season, displaying toughness, intelligence, and accuracy while carrying the Blue Devils’ offense.

He finished his collegiate career with more than 8,000 passing yards and established himself as one of the nation’s most NFL-ready quarterbacks. His combination of size, mobility, and football IQ convinced the New York Giants to select him sixth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.

NFL Career Highlights

Jones has experienced one of the NFL’s most challenging career arcs. Early success was followed by coaching changes, offensive line instability, and injuries that limited his development.

Despite those challenges, he has demonstrated the ability to win games when surrounded by quality talent. His best professional season came in 2022, when he led the Giants to the playoffs while throwing for over 3,200 yards, adding more than 700 rushing yards and accounting for 22 total touchdowns.

Now with Indianapolis, Jones enters arguably the best offensive environment of his professional career.

Strengths

Jones possesses prototypical NFL size and above-average athletic ability. His mobility allows him to extend plays and create first downs with his legs without relying exclusively on designed quarterback runs.

His strengths include:

• Excellent size and durability
• Accurate short-to-intermediate passer
• Strong decision-maker in structured offenses
• Athletic enough to execute bootlegs and read-option concepts
• Veteran leadership and playoff experience

Weaknesses

Jones still struggles with consistency under pressure. When protection breaks down, he occasionally forces throws or holds onto the football too long.

Areas needing improvement include:

• Deep-ball consistency
• Pocket awareness
• Ball security
• Aggressiveness attacking tight coverage

Why 2026 Could Be a Breakout Year

Few quarterbacks have benefited more from Shane Steichen’s offensive system than mobile passers. Jones enters the season with one of the league’s better running games led by Jonathan Taylor, talented receivers, and a coach who has consistently elevated quarterback play.

If Indianapolis provides better protection than Jones experienced earlier in his career, he could produce one of his best statistical seasons.

Anthony Richardson

Quarterback | No. 5

• Height: 6-foot-4
• Weight: 244 pounds
• Age: 24
• NFL Experience: 4th Season
• College: Florida

College Career

Anthony Richardson started only one full season at Florida but became one of the most exciting quarterback prospects in recent memory.

His rare blend of size, arm strength, and elite athleticism made him one of the highest-upside players in the 2023 NFL Draft despite limited experience.

NFL Career Highlights

Richardson’s professional career has featured flashes of brilliance mixed with inconsistency and injuries.

When healthy, he has displayed game-changing rushing ability and one of the strongest arms in football. His physical tools remain unmatched, but continued development as a passer will determine whether he becomes a long-term franchise quarterback.

Strengths

Richardson may be the most physically gifted quarterback in the NFL.

His strengths include:

• Elite arm strength
• Outstanding rushing ability
• Powerful frame
• Ability to create explosive plays
• Difficult to defend in red-zone situations

Weaknesses

The biggest question remains consistency.

Areas for improvement include:

• Passing accuracy
• Touch on intermediate throws
• Processing complex defensive coverages
• Staying healthy over a full season

Why 2026 Could Be His Breakout Season

Quarterbacks often make dramatic improvements after gaining valuable playing experience. Richardson now has multiple seasons of NFL coaching and game action behind him.

If he improves his accuracy while remaining healthy, his dual-threat ability could make him one of the NFL’s most dangerous offensive weapons.

Riley Leonard

Quarterback | No. 15

• Height: 6-foot-4
• Weight: 213 pounds
• Age: 23
• NFL Experience: Rookie
• College: Notre Dame (previously Duke)

College Career

Riley Leonard emerged as one of college football’s top dual-threat quarterbacks during successful stops at Duke and Notre Dame.

His leadership helped Notre Dame compete at the highest level while showcasing athleticism, mobility, and improved passing efficiency.

Leonard entered the NFL viewed as a developmental quarterback with significant upside thanks to his intelligence, toughness, and athletic ability.

Strengths

Leonard offers an exciting combination of athleticism and leadership.

His strengths include:

• Above-average mobility
• Accurate on the move
• High football IQ
• Tough competitor
• Natural leadership qualities

Weaknesses

As a rookie, Leonard must continue developing several areas.

These include:

• Reading NFL defenses
• Improving deep-ball timing
• Pocket patience
• Overall consistency

Why He Could Surprise

Learning behind experienced veterans gives Leonard an ideal developmental situation. He won’t be forced onto the field immediately, allowing him to refine his mechanics while learning Shane Steichen’s offense.

If injuries occur or an opportunity arises, Leonard has the athletic ability to become an effective NFL starter in the future.

Easton Stick

Quarterback | No. 4

• Height: 6-foot-1
• Weight: 224 pounds
• Age: 30
• NFL Experience: 7th Season
• College: North Dakota State

College Career

Easton Stick enjoyed one of the most successful college careers in FCS history at North Dakota State.

He helped lead the Bison to multiple national championships while finishing as one of the school’s all-time winningest quarterbacks.

His experience in a pro-style offense made him an attractive NFL developmental prospect.

NFL Career Highlights

Stick has primarily served as a backup throughout his NFL career but has earned praise for his preparation, professionalism, and ability to step into games when needed.

His experience makes him a valuable mentor for younger quarterbacks.

Strengths

• Extensive knowledge of NFL offenses
• Mobility
• Strong leadership
• Reliable backup experience
• Excellent preparation

Weaknesses

• Limited starting experience
• Average arm strength
• Lower overall ceiling than younger quarterbacks

Role in 2026

Stick provides stability in the quarterback room. Every successful NFL team needs an experienced veteran capable of preparing each week while helping younger players develop.

His value often extends beyond game day.

Why This Quarterback Room Is Better Than It Has Been in Years

The Colts finally possess a quarterback room that balances experience, upside, and competition.

Daniel Jones offers proven starting experience.

Anthony Richardson remains one of the NFL’s highest-ceiling athletes.

Riley Leonard provides long-term developmental potential.

Easton Stick supplies veteran leadership and dependable depth.

Perhaps most importantly, Shane Steichen has demonstrated throughout his coaching career that he understands how to maximize quarterbacks with varying skill sets. His offensive creativity allows Indianapolis to tailor game plans to each player’s strengths rather than forcing everyone into the same mold.

Healthy competition should elevate the entire room throughout training camp and the regular season.

Final Thoughts

The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2026 season knowing the quarterback position will determine how far the team can go. Daniel Jones appears positioned to open the season as the starter, but Anthony Richardson’s immense talent ensures the competition remains alive. Meanwhile, Riley Leonard represents an exciting developmental prospect who could eventually become part of the franchise’s long-term plans.

If Jones rediscovers the form that once led the Giants to a playoff victory, the Colts could have the stability they have sought since Andrew Luck’s retirement. If Richardson finally puts everything together, Indianapolis may possess one of the league’s most explosive quarterbacks. And if Leonard develops as expected, the Colts could be building one of the NFL’s strongest quarterback rooms for years to come.

With talent, depth, and one of the league’s top quarterback developers in Shane Steichen, the Colts have every reason to believe their most important position is trending in the right direction.