FOX Sports NFL reporter Eric Williams made 10 bold predictions for 2025. He has Aaron Rodgers heading to the Indianapolis Colts this offseason:
“With FOX Sports NFL Insider Jay Glazer reporting that Rodgers and the Jets are parting ways, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans are early betting favorites as potential landing spots. But Indianapolis makes the most sense for the 41-year-old signal-caller. First, the Anthony Richardson experiment has not worked for the Colts, with the Florida product having trouble staying on the field due to injuries and playing inconsistently when he has been available. Head coach Shane Steichen and GM Chris Ballard are under intense pressure from owner Jim Irsay to win now, which means they must take a big swing to change the trajectory of the franchise.”
Will the Aaron Rodgers-to-Indy prediction come true? It likely won’t, seeing that the Colts’ Chris Ballard isn’t exactly a “big swing” type of general manager. But even if the team is interested in Rodgers, it just doesn’t make sense to acquire a 41-year-old quarterback.
The Indianapolis Colts Would Be Foolish To Pursue Quarterback Aaron Rodgers
The Dreaded QB Carousel
Back in 1998, the Colts drafted quarterback Peyton Manning with the first overall pick. The former Tennessee star would become a larger-than-life superstar, leading the team to seven consecutive 12+ win seasons and a Super Bowl victory.
Manning remained the Colts’ starter until he was replaced by Andrew Luck, who the team drafted first overall in 2012. Luck, a four-time Pro Bowler in Indianapolis, served as the starter until he retired abruptly in 2019.
So for roughly 20 years, Colts fans got to witness two elite signal-callers. Unfortunately, there has been a quarterback carousel since Luck’s retirement. The Colts have bought in veterans like Philip Rivers (38 years old at the time) and Matt Ryan (36) over the years.
The Colts have had mixed results with quarterbacks who were nearing retirement. Rivers helped the team get 11 wins and reach the playoffs in his lone season in Indy. However, Ryan had a miserable season (2022) with the Colts, posting a 4-7 record. He was benched twice and the team finished with a disastrous 4-12-1 record.
Aaron Rodgers went 5-12 as the New York Jets’ starting quarterback this past season. He’d likely have a Matt Ryan-like season in 2025. With that said it would be in the Colts’ best interest to stay out of the Aaron Rodgers Sweepstakes.
Why the Colts Shouldn’t Pursue Him
Quarterback Anthony Richardson, who the team drafted in 2023, has had a rather disappointing career so far. He has battled injuries and struggled as a passer.
This offseason, the Colts are expected to bring in someone to compete with Richardson for the starting job. They need someone who can push Richardson to be the elite quarterback he’s supposed to be.
Justin Fields would be an ideal pickup. He’s only 25 years old and is extremely athletic. The former first-round pick could be the guy to give Richardson that much-needed push.
Yes, Aaron Rodgers is a Super Bowl champion, four-time MVP, and a future Hall of Famer. Yet, the Colts don’t need him and the accompanying distractions. The team doesn’t need another “band-aid” quarterback like they had in Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, and others. Indianapolis needs someone who will be around for a while in case the Anthony Richardson experiment officially doesn’t work.
Main Image: Ed Mulholland – USA Today Sports
The post Colts Would Be Foolish To Pursue Former MVP appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.