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Colts Could Trade for Veteran Backup Quarterback

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Mike Roberts | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 12:17 PM ET

The Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline is right around the corner. Will the Indianapolis Colts make a move?

The Colts are one of the league’s most surprising teams this season. They’re currently 5-1, which is the best record in the AFC. Indianapolis has a win-now roster and there are several players they could target via trade.

Akeem Glaspie of the Indy Star listed Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum as someone who could wind up with the Colts:

“The Colts are in need of a veteran backup quarterback with Anthony Richardson going on the injured reserve with an orbital fracture Monday and Case Keenum would fill that void. Keenum is currently the third quarterback in Chicago. The second-string quarterback, Tyson Bagent, signed a two-year extension with the Bears, locking him up through 2027. The Colts could easily absorb Keenum’s $2.2 million cap number, a small price to pay for a veteran with 66 career starts.”

Since becoming the Colts’ general manager in 2017, Chris Ballard has made just one deadline trade (swapping Nyheim Hines for Zack Moss in 2022). However, he could make a rare move this year, looking to add depth to the roster.

Colts Could Trade for Case Keenum at NFL Trade Deadline

CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 09: Center JC Tretter #64 prepares to snap to quarterback Case Keenum #5 of the Cleveland Browns during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Bengals 21-16. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Keenum’s Career

Case Keenum played college football for the Houston Cougars. The Texas native became the NCAA’s all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, and completions. He was also a First-Team All-American in 2009 and won the Sammy Baugh Trophy twice during his career.

Keenum went undrafted in 2012, but the Houston Texans signed him as a free agent. He passed for 1,760 yards and nine touchdowns in the eight games he started for the Texans in 2013.

During the 2017 season, Keenum replaced injured starter Sam Bradford and led the Minnesota Vikings to the playoffs. Keenum powered the team to a last-second victory in the postseason, knocking off the New Orleans Saints.

Keenum has started 66 of his 80 career games. He has had stints with the Texans, St.Louis/Los Angeles Rams, Vikings, Denver Broncos, Washington, Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills, and the Bears.

Should the Colts Trade for Him?

The Colts drafted Anthony Richardson fourth overall in 2023. Unfortunately, the former Florida Gator has had a rough career so far. Richardson has battled multiple injuries and was benched in favor of Joe Flacco last season. Then this year, he lost his starting job to newcomer Daniel Jones.

As Glaspie pointed out, Richardson is out with an orbital fracture. The Colts need a backup quarterback for Jones. They have rookie Riley Leonard on the roster. But he’s likely not ready to contribute if Jones gets hurt.

Yes, the Colts should consider trading for Case Keenum. He’s a veteran with a lot of experience. He’d provide the locker room with leadership, which is always a good thing.

The Colts are having an amazing 2025 season with players like Jones, Jonathan Taylor, and rookie Tyler Warren leading the way. The team needs to add secondary help and perhaps another pass-rusher to transform into a legitimate Super Bowl contender. But a veteran backup quarterback like Keenum would help out as well.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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