With Anthony Richardson on board, Colts will look beyond quarterback in NFL draft
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — For Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard, this was a different kind of offseason.
Instead of searching for a new starting quarterback or deciphering how free agents might conform to a new coach’s offensive philosophy, he remained focused on improving the supporting cast around second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson.
Ballard re-signed receiver Michael Pittman Jr., defensive backs Kenny Moore II and Julian Blackmon and defensive tackle Grover Stewart. He gave contract extensions to Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and linebacker Zaire Franklin. And, yes, Ballard added some insurance with the addition of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to back up Richardson.
So now, for the first time since Andrew Luck’s surprise retirement in August 2019, the Colts are out of the NFL’s annual draft quarterback derby.