Could free agent Jameis Winston provide the Indianapolis Colts with the competition they need at quarterback?
Justin Melo of The Draft Network believes that Winston and the Colts would be a good fit. Melo recently named the Colts as one of three best fits for Winston, along with the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Jets.
“The Colts will probably prefer to bring in a higher-upside veteran this offseason to push Richardson for the job,” wrote Melo. “Winston would be an excellent addition, considering what the Colts are looking for behind their third-year signal-caller.”
Over the last five seasons, Winston has been a fringe starting quarterback, providing depth, competing for playing time, and stepping in when needed.
For his career, which began back in 2015, Winston has completed 61% of his passes at 7.6 yards per attempt with 155 touchdowns to 111 interceptions.
In this most recent season with Cleveland, Winston completed 61% of his throws at 7.2 yards per attempt with 13 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. The offensive production under Winston can be very boom or bust.
Adding competition for Anthony Richardson is an item that GM Chris Ballard said would be on the Colts’ offseason to-do list. After two seasons, his play has been too inconsistent and he has to prove that he can be healthy for a full 17 game season.
“We knew when we took him it was going to be a roller coaster,” Ballard said of Richardson. “The number one thing we have to figure out and have to work through is he’s got to stay healthy. That, to me, is the biggest question.
“We have to have competition at the position because competition makes you better and because he’s not proven he can stay healthy for 17 games.”
What we don’t know is to what extent Ballard wants to add competition. Is he willing to spend an early round draft pick on a quarterback? Or is Ballard looking to go the veteran quarterback route again?
How much are the Colts willing to push Richardson and are they okay with making him the permanent backup for someone else? Because if that happens, the window for Richardson and his time with the Colts could be closed at that point.