It’s unclear which free agents the Indianapolis Colts will re-sign this offseason. Vignesh Mulay of Horseshoe Heroes named Sam Ehlinger as a player the team should bring back.
“Ehlinger has been a respected member of the organization for four years, and seems to have a strong personal relationship with Richardson,” wrote Mulay. “His return could be a big boost for the team’s culture. Re-signing Ehlinger to keep him in the building as the 3rd-string QB would be a low-risk move that could have some intangible upside.”
Re-signing Sam Ehlinger certainly isn’t one of the Colts’ main goals this offseason. However, it wouldn’t be shocking if such a move is made.
Sam Ehlinger Listed as a Free Agent the Indianapolis Colts Should Re-Sign
His Career Thus Far
Sam Ehlinger played at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas. He broke school records held by future NFL signal-callers Drew Brees and former Colt Nick Foles.
Ehlinger played collegiately at the University of Texas. He passed for 11,436 yards and 94 touchdowns during his four seasons with the Longhorns. He also won MVP of the Sugar Bowl and Alamo Bowl and was named Second-team All-Big 12.
The Colts then selected Ehlinger in the sixth round (218th overall pick) of the 2021 NFL Draft. In his first preseason game, led the Colts to an impressive 23-18 comeback victory over the Carolina Panthers. Ehlinger beat out Jacob Eason for the No. 2 spot behind starter Carson Wentz.
Ehlinger backed up Matt Ryan during the 2022 campaign in which the Colts went 4-12-1. He started three regular-season games that season, losing each contest. Ehlinger had a decent outing in his debut versus the Washington Commanders, completing 17 of 23 pass attempts for 201 yards. But he struggled mightily against the New England Patriots with a 15/29 and 103-yard performance. Ehlinger did not start any games in 2023 or 2024.
Should the Colts Hold onto Him?
Anthony Richardson was the Colts’ starting quarterback last season. Veteran Joe Flacco was the primary backup, and Sam Ehlinger was the No. 3. Then undrafted free agent Jason Bean served as the team’s practice squad quarterback.
Richardson is expected to start again in 2025. Flacco, who’s set to be a free agent, will either retire or likely sign with another team. The Colts will bring in someone to compete with Richardson this offseason. That newcomer could beat out Richardson for the starting job or become his primary backup.
Sam Ehlinger is also an impending free agent. It makes sense to re-sign him. He can compete with Bean for the No. 3 spot in training camp and has a close relationship with Richardson. James Boyd of The Athletic wrote about the two quarterbacks’ bond:
“But even with all of that in mind, this is the main question that could determine whether Ehlinger stays or leaves: How much is his bond with Richardson worth to the Colts? Ehlinger’s close relationship with the most important player in the franchise could — and probably should — make him an offseason priority. If Indianapolis is truly committed to cultivating an environment for Richardson to thrive in next season, it can still nail down a legitimate backup while giving Ehlinger a raise to return as QB3.”
Richardson, who the Colts drafted in 2023, has had a disappointing career thus far. But keeping a close friend like Ehlinger around could help keep him motivated to become the star he’s supposed to be.
Main Image: Eric Canha – USA Today Sports
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