Shane Steichen’s playbook for reviving the Colts’ offense is starting to look like a diner menu at 2 a.m.—full of greasy possibilities, questionable choices, and a dash of nostalgia. Think of it as the NFL’s version of Chopped, where the head coach rummages through the league’s QB bargain bin for ingredients to spice up Anthony Richardson’s lukewarm development.

Steichen, who once guided Jalen Hurts on his path to Philly superstardom, now faces a tougher recipe: blending raw talent with veteran savvy. But in a league where Brett Favre once moonlit as a Jet and Tom Brady unretired like a bad ’80s band reunion, anything’s possible.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Colts are eyeing four quarterbacks to either push Richardson or replace him: Daniel Jones, Justin Fields, Trey Lance, and Jacoby Brissett. “This is a mix of quarterbacks who can support Anthony Richardson and guys who will be looking to start games somewhere. I’ve heard Jones’ name more than once in regards to the Colts,” Fowler said.

Jones’ name has surfaced repeatedly, hinting at Indy’s preference for a QB with playoff skin on the wall. Meanwhile, Lance—the former 49ers’ draft bust turned Cowboys’ benchwarmer—offers a reclamation project with a side of “what if?”

Richardson’s career so far? Think Fast & Furious without the furious. In 2024, he completed just 50.6% of passes, tossed 12 picks, and got benched for 39-year-old Joe Flacco. GM Chris Ballard isn’t panicking—yet. “It’s gotta be the right guy to create real competition. But we want to create real competition. I think it’s good for the team, I think it’s good for Anthony,” he insisted at the combine.

But with Shane Steichen’s job security tighter than a kicker’s facemask in overtime, Indy needs answers. Enter the QB carousel.

Steichen’s contenders: A closer look at Indy’s QB options

Trey Lance: The mystery box

Lance’s career arc resembles a Netflix show canceled after one season. Drafted third overall in 2021, he’s thrown 102 passes in four years. His 2024 Cowboys stint? Five quarters of “meh” against Washington’s practice squad. Still, Steichen might see a younger Richardson clone: mobile and erratic. Pro: Upside. Con: “Upside” is code for “hasn’t done squat.”

Daniel Jones: The Discount Rack

Jones is the NFL equivalent of a Black Friday TV—big price tag, bigger discount, intermittent performance. The Giants’ 2019 sixth-overall pick flamed out post-extension, but his 2022 playoff run (62% completion, 15 TDs) still haunts NFC East fans. But buyer beware: Jones’ 2024 Giants stint ended with seven picks and a one-way ticket to Minnesota‘s practice squad.

Jacoby Brissett: The comfort food

Brissett’s return would be like ordering meatloaf at your childhood diner—familiar, filling, but not thrilling. He knows Indy’s locker room, having backed up Andrew Luck in 2019. But at 32, he’s a Band-Aid, not a solution. His 2024 Patriots stats (59% completion, 2 TDs) scream “bridge QB.” Translation: Perfect for mentoring Richardson… or holding his clipboard.

Justin Fields: The lottery ticket

Fields is that scratch-off you find in a parking lot—risky, but maybe a jackpot. But he won’t come nearly as cheap. The Steelers declined his $21M fifth-year option after six lukewarm starts (65.8% completion, 5 TDs). Still, his dual-threat skills mirror Richardson’s, minus the accuracy issues. Justin’s ceiling is higher than the retractable roof at Lucas Oil Stadium. But he needs reps—and a coach who won’t bench him for Russ Wilson again.

Shane Steichen and Ballard are playing QB Jenga—one wrong move, and the whole rebuild collapses. Jones offers experience; Fields brings electricity; Brissett provides stability; Lance is a Hail Mary. But let’s be real: Richardson’s on a leash shorter than a halftime show.

As Ballard said, “We drafted Anthony high, knowing it was going to take some time. And we knew there’s going to be some hiccups along the way.” Translation: The hiccups better turn into touchdowns—fast. Can Richardson’s journey survive a QB showdown? Or will Indy’s next signal-caller be serving up turnovers—literally? Who would you bet on: Jones, Fields, Lance, or Brissett?