Could Former Big 12 Star Become Colts QB1?

Unless you’re a big-time college football fan, you likely don’t know much about Jason Bean. The young Indianapolis Colts quarterback has never played a regular-season game. With that said, there’s not much to know about his NFL career. However, he could ultimately emerge as Indy’s QB1.

Yes, it sounds a bit absurd to say Bean could become the Colts’ starting quarterback, especially seeing that he went undrafted. Yet, there have been several undrafted quarterbacks in NFL history who later became starters. Hall of Famers Kurt Warner and Warren Moon are the most accomplished of the group. Other notable undrafted QBs include Tony Romo, Jeff Garcia, and Jake Delhomme. So Jason Bean can do the same.

Could Jason Bean Become the Colts Quarterback?

His Career Thus Far

Jason Bean played six seasons of college football. His career began with the North Texas Mean Green. During the 2020 campaign, he recorded 19 touchdowns (14 passing and five rushing). He also threw for 1,131 yards over eight games (COVID-shortened season).

Bean later transferred to Kansas, where he spent his final three years. During his last season with the Jayhawks, he led the school to a 9-4 record and their first bowl win in 15 years. In that bowl game, he threw for 449 yards and six touchdowns as Kansas beat UNLV 49-36 in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. He threw for 2,130 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 280 yards and three touchdowns during the 2023 campaign.

After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Jason Bean was signed by the Colts as a free agent. He was impressive during last year’s preseason. He completed 15 of his 19 pass attempts (78.9 percent) for 197 yards and a touchdown. Bean also rushed for 53 yards (4.81 yards per carry) and a pair of touchdowns. But despite a strong preseason, Bean failed to beat out Sam Ehlinger for the Colts’ third quarterback spot. He was placed on the team’s practice squad. Meanwhile, Anthony Richardson was the starter, and veteran Joe Flacco served as the primary backup in 2024.

Could He Become the Colts’ QB1?

Flacco, a free agent this year, will not return to the Colts. And it’s unclear whether Ehlinger will re-sign this offseason.

Richardson isn’t expected to be traded this offseason. In training camp, he’ll compete with the newly signed Daniel Jones for the starting job.

Jason Bean could win the No. 3 spot this year, perhaps beating out Ehlinger (if he re-signs with the Colts). But he could also be the starter down the road. Last season, both Richardson and Jones (with the New York Giants) struggled and were benched. Plus, each player has had their share of injuries so far.

Bean could get the opportunity to start at some point during the 2025 season if both Richardson and Jones are unavailable. If Bean does get that chance, he could wind up pulling a Brock Purdy, and pretty much come out of nowhere to shine.

The extremely athletic Bean is a dual-threat quarterback and is capable of making exciting plays. It’s doubtful, he’ll ever become the Colts’ QB1, but, you certainly shouldn’t rule it out.