Colts Could Be Trade Destination for Star QB

An NFL insider named the Indianapolis Colts as a potential suitor for a quarterback rumored to be on the move.

The Indianapolis Colts have their starting quarterback of the future in Anthony Richardson. However, the departure of backup Gardner Minshew to the Las Vegas Raiders forces Indy to need a suitable insurance plan behind Richardson.

Per NFL Insider Benjamin Allbright, Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is an option to occupy that spot for the Colts. 

Wouldn't be surprised if Justin Fields winds up as a backup with the Colts or Eagles.

Several teams that were being reported were never in play, and the market has been incredibly thin on him as the Bears have shopped him for a few weeks.

— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) March 11, 2024

Allbright put the statement on X, saying, "Wouldn't be surprised if Justin Fields winds up as a backup with the Colts or Eagles. 

"Several teams that were being reported were never in play, and the market has been incredibly thin on him as the Bears have shopped him for a few weeks."

It's tough to think of Fields as a backup quarterback. However, given the lack of interest from QB-needy teams and a lack of winning football, Fields' value isn't what most believed it to be. If he ends up as a backup, it could be a great transition to do it with Indianapolis and head coach Shane Steichen.

Allbright put out another piece of information on his thoughts on Fields being the relief passer for the Colts.

On air I said Colts. Back up AR.

Resurrect the career with guy who will cater to his skills etc in Shane Steichen. https://t.co/MgpwDITkB6

— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) March 12, 2024

"On air I said Colts," Allbright posted. "Back up AR. Resurrect the career with guy who will cater to his skills etc in Shane Steichen."

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The Bears are linked to selecting USC quarterback Caleb Williams as the number one pick in the draft. It's fair to say that Fields has potential and is an athletic monster, but he's shown limitations as a passer in Chicago.

In his three-year career, Fields has 38 starts with 578-of-958 completions (60.3%) for 6,674 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions. Where Fields excels is running, with 356 rushes for 2,220 yards and 14 touchdowns, including 1,143 yards on the ground in 2022 alone. 

It will be intriguing to see where Fields ends up, as it seems his market isn't that great for a starting role. While there are other capable veteran free-agent backup quarterbacks available, there's an argument that Fields has a higher ceiling than any of them.

If Steichen could coach a passer like Fields, he may become a solid backup quarterback should he need to be called upon. Something still says that Chris Ballard won't trade away anything to acquire Fields and will choose the safer route of signing a veteran field general. But anything can happen in free agency. 

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